Vegetable Grain Soup
2 quarts vegetable broth
1 quart of water
2 celery ribs, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices
1 small onion, coarsely chopped
2 medium carrots, cut into 12-inch-thick rounds
One 14 1/2-ounce can tomatoes with juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 celery root, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (2 cups)
1/3 cup pearl barley (or 1 C. in any combonation of grains)
1/3 cup split peas
1/3 cup lentils
1/4 small head chopped green cabbage (about 2 cups)
1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium zucchini, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 yellow squash, scrubbed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
freshly ground pepper
Chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley or chives, for garnish
Bring the broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, garlic and thyme to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for one hour. Add the celery root, barley, split peas and lentils and cook for 40 minutes. Add the cabbage, potato, zucchini and squash. Simmer until all of the ingredients are tender, about 40 minutes. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs. Season to taste with pepper. Serve hot, ladled into soup bowls and sprinkled with herbs.