Traders Joe's 15 Bean and Barley Soup

This is a great fix for a cheap, easy and healthy dinner. I chose to make mine in the crock pot but you can also do this on the stove top like the directions say.

Don't make my mistake, which I've already made too many times, you'd think I'd learn, and use the quick soak method. Let them soak overnight or this will be tomorrow night's dinner.

Simply take your soaked and rinsed beans, add in whatever you like. I think I followed their directions pretty much, but this is pretty hard to mess up.

I added

- 2 containers (32 oz) of vegetable stock

- 2 15 oz. jars diced tomatoes (not drained)

- carrots

- onions

- a bay leaf

- basil

- pepper

We've been trying to go salt free although I occasionally sneak some into my own bowl:)

Look at that steam rising! Mmmm.

Served it with some homemade bread machine bread (my middle child was mad it was not grilled cheese, which would have been great with this, but I did not have time and they needed to do their homework). My five year old daughter finished every last bit so this was a winner and oh so easy.