Hearty Cabbage and Barley Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
• Onion (1 large, diced)
• Carrots (2 medium, diced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Cabbage (4 cups, chopped)
• Barley (1 cup, rinsed)
• Vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Dried thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped cabbage and rinsed barley, mixing well to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to incorporate all ingredients.
5. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.