Barley Vegetable Soup

Method

1. 1

   Keep 1/4 cup barley, soaked and the rest of the ingredients ready before you start.

2. 2

   Heat the butter or oil in a heavy pot and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.

3. 3

   Cook the soaked barley separately until chewy-soft, then add it to the vegetable broth so it does not go pasty.

4. 4

   Pour in the stock, bring to a gentle simmer and cook until everything is tender; season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   Ladle the barley vegetable soup into bowls and serve piping hot with a wedge of lemon or toasted bread.