Lentil Barley Steup

Lentil Barley ‘Steup’
Makes about 8 cups

This is such an easy recipe that takes a minimal amount of preparation. It is a soup-stew hybrid so I have dubbed it a ‘steup’. If you want more of a soup-like consistency add more water and/or broth.

1 cup lentils, rinsed
½ cup hulled or pearled barley
6 cups water and/or vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, pressed or crushed
2 carrots, sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 ½-2 teaspoons ground cumin
¼ - ½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste (at least 1 teaspoon)

Place the water and/or vegetable broth into a large pot and heat on medium heat.
Add all the ingredients except the salt into the pot and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender, about 1 hour.
Add salt to taste.

Add-ons:
- Fresh herbs when served. Whichever herb you favor. I would add parsley or basil.
- Sunflower seeds when served.
- Crunchy tortilla strips when served.
- Served with cornbread.

Recipe by Dayna P*******