Meal Planner #5: VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP- Winter Warmer

Gosh its getting collllld! That wintry breeze has been knocking on our door the past few days!
Yup, winter is arriving and the heaters in the house are on! I love summer but this summer was SO hot in Brisbane!
we had days with 43 degrees! I was dying for a taste of this wintry feeling! On those hot days you just wish you had your personal little air con with you ! :) So now that time of year is back and I'm loving it!

This vegetable-barley soup is also my entry for the lovely Hive account@lenasveganliving #fruitsandveggiesmonday contest!,
So thank you so much Hive account@lenasveganliving for your love and devotion to this weekly contest and healthy food you promote to all of us foodies out there :)

It's that time of year here in Australia for those warm hot chocolates, the cuddling inside your bed in the morning and not wanting to get out of your fluffy blanket, those cosy days inside your warm house and enjoying a nice movie... ahhh... and of course... having those hot comforting meals that keep you nice and warm and satisfied inside:)

So for this occasion- Today was that day when I made one of my favourite soups, a hearty winter warmer: VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP to keep you warm and cosy inside for those cold days ahead.

You can add just about any veggies you want inside. just cut or chop them up to the size of our preference (I like them chopped up finely:)), toss them in the pot, add water and spices, cook for about an hour and you've got yourself a healthy, comforting and satisfying meal!

SO LETS START COOKING!!

VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP WINTER WARMER- Recipe
@Cooknbake:

Ingredients:

1 cup pearled barley, uncooked and rinsed
1 tablespoons oil
1 large onion
1 potato
1 head cauliflower
1 head broccolli
2 zucchini, peeled
3 carrots, peeled
mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch parsley, chopped
1 bunch dill, chopped
½ tablespoon ground cummin
salt and pepper to taste
about 8 cups of water
(Optional: any other vegetables desired, about 1/2 cup each)

Method:
-Cut/chop all the vegetables to your desired shape/ size.
-In a large pot sautee the onions in the oil for a minute or two.
-Add the vegetables, cook and mix occasionally for about 3-5 minutes.

-Add in the barley, water and all other remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a simmer:

-Once it simmers, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover your pot and cook for about 40-50 minutes (until the barley is soft and a bit fluffy). Stir occasionally: