Savory Lentil Barley Soup

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3/4 cup thinly sliced celery
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 quarts water
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 package (1.7 ounces) vegetable soup mix
• 3/4 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 3/4 cup medium pearl barley
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese, optional

1. In a soup kettle or Dutch oven, saute onion, celery and garlic in butter until tender. Add water, tomatoes, soup mix, lentils, barley and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until lentils and barley are tender. Add carrots; simmer 20-25 minutes longer or until the carrots are tender. Garnish with cheese if desired.

onion, celery, garlic, butter, water, tomatoes, vegetable soup mix, dried lentils, pearl barley, pepper, carrots, swiss cheese

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/savory-lentil-barley-soup/ (may not work)