Lentil Barley Stew - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 -4 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
3/4 cup chopped celery
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 cups water (or stock)
3/4 cup lentils
28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded carrot
3/4 cup barley
salt (to taste)
pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Preparation

Saute celery, garlic and onion in butter in a large pan (I use a 5-qt dutch oven).
Add water or stock and lentils.
Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
Add tomatoes, barley, carrots and seasonings.
Simmer for 45-60 minutes, till barley and lentils are tender, adding more stock if necessary.