Lentil Soup With Beef And Barley - cooking recipe

Ingredients

3/4 - 1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup lentils, washed
1/4 cup barley
6 cups water or 6 cups vegetable stock
1 (10 ounce) can beef broth
1 large onion, chopped
1 -2 garlic clove, minced
1 large carrot, diced
1 large celery rib, diced
1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes, diced
1 small bay leaf, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon basil
salt and pepper, to taste
parsley, chopped for garnish

Preparation

In a large non-stick pot, brown beef lightly and drain off fat.
Add lentils, barley, water or stock and beef broth.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, covered, until lentils and barley are nearly tender (about 1/2 hr.).
Add remaining ingredients and simmer about 1 to 1-1/2 hours
Add extra liquid to give desired consistency. Salt and pepper generously to taste and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.