Junk Stew

Ingredients:

• 2 T. olive oil
• 2 potatoes, cubed small
• 1 large onion, chopped small
• 4 large carrots, chopped small
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 T. ground cumin
• 3 qts. vegetable broth
• 2/3 C. pearl barley
• 1 sm. can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 2/3 cup dried lentils
• 1/2 large bunch swiss chard, chopped
• 1 can beans (black or kidney), drained
• 2 T. chopped fresh dill
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oil in large pot. Add potatoes, onions and carrots. Saute until onions are golden brown, about 10 minutes.

Add garlic and mix in cumin. Add broth and barley. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, partially cover and simmer 25 minutes.

Stir in tomatoes with juice and lentils. Cover and simmer until barley and lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.

Add chard to soup and canned beans. Simmer about 5 minutes. Stir in dill. Season soup with salt and pepper. Thin with more broth, if desired.

Note: spinach can be substituted for swiss chard--approx 4 cups of chopped spinach, packed