RED BEAN AND BARLEY SOUP

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine the barley with water to cover; place over med-high heat.
• When the water boils, decrease heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Drain barley, rinse, and drain again; set aside.
• Heat the oil in a 4-quart saucepan over med-high heat.
• Add in onion; cook/stir until begins to soften, 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the beans and broth; bring to a boil.
• Decrease heat to med-low, cover the saucepan, and cook 15 minutes.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans and onion to a food processor and pulse 4-5 times to finely chop the beans but not puree them.
• Scrape the sides of the work bowl down and pulse the machine 1-2 more times.
• Return the beans to the saucepan with the liquid and stir well to blend.
• Add in the barley and place over med-high heat.
• When the soup comes to a boil, decrease heat to low and simmer, stirring often to prevent the barley from sticking, until the barley is tender, about 30 minutes.
• Stir in the parsley; season with salt to taste, and serve.
• *You may drizzle a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over each serving, if you wish.