Comforting Vegetable Soup

How to make a Comforting Vegetable Soup.

Ingredients: Serves 6-8

• 3 celery stalks, peeled and diced
• 3 zucchini, peeled
• 4 potatoes, peeled
• 3 carrots, peeled
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled
• 1 parsnip, peeled
• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 leek, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup pearled barley, rinsed
• 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Finely chopped parsley or chives, to serve

Method:

1. In a large soup pot heat the canola oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and leeks and the seasoning: paprika, salt and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are translucent, for 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Whilst the onions and leeks are sweating in the pot, using a food processor, grate all the other vegetables: zucchini, potatoes, sweet potato, carrots and parsnip, using the course grating plate.
5. Add the diced celery and the all the grated vegetables.
6. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are a bit tender and start to brown. 
7. You may need to add a touch of water if your pot looks too dry.
8. Add the pearled barley and the oatmeal and stir.
9. Add the broth and bring the pot to a simmer.
10. Cook until the barley is soft, for about 20 minutes.
11. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
12. Finish with chopped herbs and serve!