Lentil & barley vegetable soup

This is a quick soup I made the other day, it is another one pot meal. (I love that kind) Super simple to make and usually everything is on hand to throw it together. If not... use something else that seems right :P

We are in full swing with the main floor renovations.The house is messy.The fridge is in the living room, and I am going to have no cabinets or counter top very, very soon. YIKES! I will be washing dishes in my bathtub,  seriously :P

I came down the stairs this morning at thought "OH GAWD WHAT HAVE WE DONE". I know its going to be a long couple of months living in chaos, but SO worth it in the end :)

Caught the sunrise this morning. It was so beautiful.

Lentil & barely vegetable soup

2 onions- small diced
4 cloves garlic- roughly chopped
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp dried oregano
6 carrots- peeled and chopped
1 green pepper- small diced
10 mushrooms- sliced
1 medium potato- peeled and chopped
8 cups water/vegetable stock
3 cups cooked lentils
2 handfuls of barley
2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tsp red wine vinegar
sea salt
freshly ground pepper

In  a large pot heat oil and saute onion and garlic until soft
Add spices and continue sauteing until absorbed
Next add vegetables, saute for 2-3 minutes
Add water or stock, lentil and barley and paste
Bring to a boil, and allow to simmer for 45 minutes.
Season with vinegar, salt, and pepper.

Winter Stew

We have had snow for the last couple of weeks, so its been pretty chilly here on the east coast. This is a staple food in our home. It is perfect for those cold winter evenings. The best part...its a one pot meal:)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 onion- chopped
• 2 cloves garlic-minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 2 stalks celery- chopped
  
• 2 carrots- peeled and chopped
• 2 large potatoes- peeled and chopped
• 1/4 medium sized turnip- peeled and chopped
• 1/3 cup barley
• water to cover
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 can kidney beans
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• sea salt
• freshly ground pepper
  

In a large pot, heat oil, add onions, saute for 4-5 minutes until soft.
Add garlic, saute for 2-3 more minutes, add thyme and oregano.
Add celery, carrots, saute for 3-4 minutes. Add barley.
Add potato and turnip. Cover with water
Bring to a boil, add tomato past.
Lower heat, so that is not rapidly boiling, but still enough to cook the turnip and potato.
Once the potato is almost cooked, and beans.
Let simmer for 25 minutes, until thickened.
Add parsley to finish.