Italian lentil and barley soup

==Description==
This is a surprisingly filling, vegetarian, crock pot soup. It is very good, and easy to prepare the night before, or chop the veggies in advance and turn it on before you leave for work in the morning. Goes great with a crusty bread.
===Ingredients===
* 1 	 cup Lentils
* 1/3 	cup pearl barley
* 1 	cup carrots (chopped)
* 1 	cup celery (chopped)
* 1 	cup onions (chopped)
* 2 	cloves garlic (minced)
* 1/2 	teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 	teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 	teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 	bay leaf
* 3 1/2 	cups broth
* 2 1/2 	cups water
* 14 1/4 	ounces Italian-style tomatoes or regular stewed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
* 1/4 	cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
* 2 	tablespoons cider vinegar (optional)
===Directions===
* Sort through Lentils to remove debris and shriveled Beans, then rinse.
* Add Lentils to crock pot, along with carrots, celery, Onion, garlic, dried herbs and bay leaf.
* Pour in broth, water, and tomatoes.
* Cover and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours.
* Discard bay leaf and just before serving stir in parsley and vinegar (if using.).
===Other Links===
==See also==
Category: Italian SoupsCategory:Soups Category:Recipes
Category:Italian Recipes
Category:basil Recipes
Category:Bay Leaf Recipes
Category:oregano Recipes
Category:thyme Recipes
Category:parsley Recipes
Category:parsley Recipes
Category:Lentil Recipes
category:cider vinegar Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:pearl barley Recipes
category:tomato Recipes
category:vinegar Recipes
category:carrot Recipes
category:garlic Recipes
category:celery Recipes
category:Onion Recipes
category:water Recipes
category:Fresh Beans Recipes
category:Onion Recipes