Vegetarian "Hamburger" Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped fine
1 garlic clove, minced
1 celery rib, chopped
20 baby carrots, sliced
2 cups boxed vegetable broth (e.g. Whole Foods brand)
1 cup water
1 -2 plum tomato, seeded and chopped
1/3 cup barley, rinsed
1/2 cup vegetarian ground beef, pre-cooked
1/2 - 1 teaspoon tamari (or soy sauce)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
black pepper

Preparation

Saute onion in olive oil in a large saucepan until soft. Add garlic, celery, and carrot and saute for another 5 minutes.
Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until barley is tender and serve.