Curried spinach & chick pea soup

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsVegetable oil
2eachesGarlic cloves, minced
1mediumCarrot, grated
¼cupRaw barley
1eachBay leaf
cupStock
4cupsCooked chick peas
¾poundsSpinach, steamed & chopped
1smallZucchini, diced
teaspoonFavourite curry powder
¼teaspoonThyme
¼teaspoonCumin
Salt & pepper
2cupsStock
2tablespoonsLemon juice

Directions

Heat oil & saute garlic for 1 minute. Add carrot, barley, bay leaf & 2½ c stock. Bring to a boil, cover & simmer for 15 minutes.

Puree half the chick peas & add to the pot with the spinach, zucchini & seasonings. Simmer covered for another 10 minutes. Add the rest of the chick peas, the remaining stock & lemon juice. Simmer gently for another 15 minutes until the barley is tender.

Adapted from Nava Atlas, "Vegetariana"