Pearl soup

Here’s a simple recipe for pearl barley soup, which is hearty and nutritious:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Barley: Rinse the pearl barley under cold water. Set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Add Barley and Broth: Stir in the pearl barley, vegetable or chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

5. Add Greens: If using spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.

6. Season: Remove the bay leaf and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your nourishing pearl barley soup!