1 cup of barley (pearl preferable)
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks of celery, diced
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
4 cups of vegetable broth
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cups of spinach or kale
1 tsp of thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Rinse the barley under cool water, then set aside.
In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the rinsed barley and canned diced tomatoes, stirring well to combine.
Add the vegetable broth to the pot, bringing it to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cover the pot.
Toss in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 40-50 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
A few minutes before serving, stir in the spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt.
Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving hot.