Ingredients for 6 servings:
1. 2 -4 tablespoons butter (or margarine)
2. 3/4 cup chopped celery
3. 3/4 cup chopped onion
4. 1 teaspoon minced garlic
5. 6 cups water (or stock)
6. 3/4 cup lentils
7. 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
8. 1/2 cup shredded carrot
9. 3/4 cup barley
10. salt (to taste)
11. pepper (to taste)
12. 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
13. 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
1. Saute celery, garlic and onion in butter in a large pan (I use a 5-qt dutch oven).
2. Add water or stock and lentils.
3. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, barley, carrots and seasonings.
5. Simmer for 45-60 minutes, till barley and lentils are tender, adding more stock if necessary.