Barley and Mixed Vegetable Soup

Hello everyone, I have been inactive on this blog for a long time now. Work and kids have kept me really busy. Still not sure when I can post regularly....... 

Anyhoo, last weekend I made this soup for a potluck. Everyone loved it and wanted the recipe, so I am posting this recipe especially for all my friends who wanted it that day……. 

This soup is my comfort food. It is really hearty and healthy – a real one pot meal :)

To make this soup you need:

Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion - chopped, 4-5 cloves of chopped garlic, 3-4 cups water or Vegetable/Chicken broth, ½ cup barley (uncooked), 2 Cups Mixed veg (carrots, beans, peas, corn),  1 zucchini cubed/sliced, 1 small can diced or crushed tomatoes/puree 4-5 fresh tomatoes, 3 tsp Italian seasoning, 1.5 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp sherry/red wine vinegar/lemon juice, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp paprika (optional), Fresh basil 8-10 leaves chopped and parsley leaves chopped to garnish, salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation Method:  Pressure cook barley and mixed veg with veg/chicken stock (2-3 whistles) – till barley is fully cooked. Meanwhile, in a pot, add olive oil. When hot, add garlic and onions, cook till it is soft. Add zucchini and cook till it is soft. Add Italian seasoning, pepper, garlic powder, paprika (optional) and 2 tbsp sherry wine vinegar/red wine vinegar/lemon juice and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and cook for 2-3 mins. After that add the crushed /pureed tomatoes. Cook for 3-4 mins.  After that add the pressure cooked mixed veg and barley. Adjust seasonings and add salt to taste. Simmer for 8-10 mins. Add chopped basil/parsley leaves. Serve hot. Enjoy :))

Till my next post, take care everyone!!