Lentil Barley Soup

This Lentil Barley Soup is a staff favorite!  It has root vegetables, greens, whole grains, and healthy protein. Plus, it's delicious and easy to make.  Name a better combo than that!  

Makes: 8 servings

Ingredients
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup pearl barley
1 cup dried lentils
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, no salt added
8 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
2 cups water
4 cups fresh spinach or kale

Optional seasonings and toppings: paprika, cayenne pepper, Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt and pepper 

Instructions
  1. In a colander, rinse barley with cold water.  Repeat with lentils. 
  2. Add carrots, onion, garlic, lentils, barley, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and water to a crock pot.  Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using.  Stir well to mix. 
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.  
  4. ​Right before serving, add spinach or kale.  Top with Parmesan cheese if you like. ​
​Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 cup 

Calories: 200
Total Fat: 0.5g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 9g
Sodium: 160mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Added Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 11g