Springtime Soup

Originally posted to Full of Veggies on 4/8/07
Springtime Soup
Adapted from Greek-Flavored Spinach and Orzo Soup by Nava Atlas
Yield: 8 to 10 meal-sized servings

2 cups cleaned & sliced leek
6-10 cloves garlic, minced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
12 cups water with 4 cubes salt-free vegan bouillon (or equal amount of light flavored veggie broth)
2 14.5oz cans salt-free tomatoes (diced, crushed, whatever), briefly buzzed in blender or food processor
2 9oz boxes frozen artichokes
1 cup pearl barley
2 tsp dill
2 1-lb bags frozen spinach
1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1 cup lemon juice (or less, to taste)

1. Water-sauté leeks, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened; about 5 minutes.

2. Add water, bouillon, tomatoes, barley, dill, and frozen artichokes. Cover and bring to simmer for 30-40 minutes until barley is slightly chewy.

3. When soup is almost done simmering, portion spinach out into containers. (Do this only if making meals ahead, if not stir spinach into soup before serving).

4. Stir in parsley and lemon juice.