Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
• 3 medium carrots (sliced)
• 3 stalks celery (sliced)
• 2 medium potatoes (diced)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 4 cups water
• 3 tomatoes (peeled and sliced)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2-15oz can red beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup barley (dry)
• Few shakes of dry bay leaves
• Few shakes of dried parsley
• Few shakes of cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (and some more for taste)
• Liberal use of ground black peppercorn
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. In a large soup pot or cauldron, heat oil on medium high. When warm, add onions and garlic, cook till translucent, 5-8 minutes.
2. Add carrots, celery, potatoes, oregano and basil. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add broth and water, tomatoes, corn, beans, barley, bay leaves, parsley, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and add lemon juice. Cook for another 2 hours.
5. Serve with some fresh artisan bread.

Inspired by

I based the recipe off of this. I changed a few things, and I was not all too precise on others. The original recipe had less beans, and no barley or cayenne pepper.

Closing

Awww so so good! Today, was a cold and rainy autumn day and this was great! However, others felt it had a little too much heat, due to the cayenne pepper. Interestingly enough, this tasted much like minestrone, unintentionally. I actually peeled the tomatoes this time around before adding them to the soup. I went all out and also baked some bread, it was a splendid compliment to this meal.

Moving forward, I think I will try to add barley to most soups that I make. I really like pasta, but they tend to bloat, but barley, yes, barley is a great alternative!

Enjoy the steamy bowl..... with the bread!