Cabbage and Barley Soup

Ingredients

• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Thyme (1 teaspoon)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Vegetable broth (6 cups)
• Barley (1 cup, rinsed)
• Cabbage (1/2 head, shredded)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Celery (2 stalks, diced)
• Carrots (2, diced)
• Onion (1, diced)
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cabbage and barley. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until the barley is cooked and the flavors have melded together.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!