THE COLD FRONT CALLS FOR THIS ONE ...

Vegetable & Barley Soup

Soup is always a favorite of mine especially this time of year and yes, my New England friends, even here in Florida it gets a little chilly for my liking.  Dinner at my house can be a challenge.  My wife recently lost a lot of weight and wants to keep it off (the potatoes she’ll remove) and my daughter well, she’s 8, and I always like to feed her something other than her usual choice of chicken fingers.  This is a great fast meal for everyone to enjoy!  KJ

Serves 6 to 8

Ingredients

• 1/8 ounce dried porcini mushrooms
• 8 sprigs fresh parsley plus 3 tablespoons chopped
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 pounds leeks, white and light green parts sliced 1/2 inch thick and washed thoroughly
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1/3 cup dry white wine (preferably a sauvignon blanc)
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 6 cups water
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup pearl barley
• 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 turnip, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Grind porcini with spice grinder until they resemble fine meal, 10 to 30 seconds. Measure out 2 teaspoons porcini powder; reserve remainder for other use. Using kitchen twine, tie together parsley sprigs, thyme, and bay leaf.

2. Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add leeks, carrots, celery, wine, soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid has evaporated and celery is softened, about 10 minutes.

3. Add water, broth, barley, porcini powder, herb bundle, and garlic; increase heat to high and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, for 25 minutes.

4. Add potatoes, turnip, and cabbage; return to simmer and cook until barley, potatoes, turnip, and cabbage are tender, 18 to 20 minutes.

5. Remove pot from heat and remove herb bundle. Stir in peas, lemon juice, and chopped parsley; season with salt and pepper to taste.

The soup can also be garnished with crisp bacon, crumbled cheddar cheese, or croutons.