Lentil & Barley Soup

This is comfort food for me, because even though the soup is vegetarian, its flavours remind me of the meat-and-potatoes stews my mother served when I was growing up.

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp canola oil

1 large onion, diced

3 stalks celery, diced

3 cups water

3 carrots, diced

1 medium potato, diced

1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed

3/4 cup barley, rinsed

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp thyme leaves

3 bay leaves

1/2 tsp salt

In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the butter and oil. Add the onions, and fry until soft. Add the celery and fry for a few more minutes. Then, add the water, carrots, lentils, barley, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir together. Add water and carrots. Bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes; then reduce heat and simmer, covered for 60 - 90 minutes. Add more water if necessary. Once the barley is soft, stir in the salt.