1 medium leek (white portion only), halved and thinly sliced
1 cup chopped celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. olive oil
3/4 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
1 1/2 cups chopped peeled turnips (Optional if a person doesn't like them)
4 cans (14 1/2 oz. each) reduced sodium beef broth or vegetable broth (I used broth from a roast beef I had cooked and added a little water)
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. caraway seeds
1 cup quick-cooking barley
4 cups fresh baby spinach, cut into thin strips
Directions:
In a large saucepan coated with cooking spray, cook the leek, celery and garlic in oil for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, turnips and carrots; cook 4-5 minutes longer or until mushrooms are tender.
Stir in the broth, tomatoes and seasonings. Bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until turnips are tender. Add barley; simmer 10 minutes more or until spinach and barley are tender. Discard bay leaf.
Servings:
10
Time:
30 Minutes Preparation Time
45 Minutes Cooking Time
Source: Taste of home recipe that I have tried with and without turnips and have used homemade broth.
I think it's interesting that you've used caraway seeds in this. I took a jar of caraway seeds and processed them in my coffee grinder and use small amounts as additions to lots of dishes because I like the taste, but not necessarily the surprise of biting into a whole seed. The "powder" give a very subtle flavor and is great in soups, stews and casseroles.