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This may have quite possibly been the longest two weeks of my life. I think an extra week might have snuck in with me noticing. But I have emerged on the other side with clean carpets and some minor congestion left over. 

I'm pretty behind on my blogging so bear with me as I try to catch up. I'm going to try to set up some scheduled posts so keep checking back this week.

Being sick, the obvious choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner was soup. While I was in Bellingham last year, Iman had taken me to a local deli/bakery called Avenue Bread that made amazing sandwiches and even tastier soups.  I had the tomato lentil soup and was instantly hooked.  I tried recreating it when I got home.  Honestly, I don't even remember their version because I totally love the one I make.

Tomato Lentil and Barley Soup

1 onion

2 (or 3) carrots, diced or chopped

2 stalks of celery, chopped

3 small (or medium) potatoes, diced or chopped

1/2 cup brown lentils, rinsed

1/2 cup barley

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

2 cans reduced sodium chicken broth

2  (or 3) cloves of garlic

2 small chicken boullion cubes

2 chicken breasts, cubed (optional)

- Sautee onion in large pot with some olive oil until soft on medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, and potatoes. Cook 5-10 minutes. Add boullion cubes and crushed garlic cloves.

- Meanwhile, in small saucepan, boil barley for 15 minutes, until slightly tender. It will continue to cook in the soup.

- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, lentils, barley, and 3 cans of water. The lentils, barley, and veggies will soak up most of the water.

- Bring soup to a boil.  If using chicken, add now. Lower heat to medium low until chicken is no longer pink on the outside.  Lower heat to low and let cook for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. Add italian seasoning, cracked black pepper and salt to taste.  I don't add any salt to mine as I feel the broth and the cubes add the right amount.

I usually don't add chicken but had some defrosted to went for it.  This is very filling even without the chicken.  Add some crusty bread and a salad and you're all set for dinner.