Slow Cooker Vegetable Stew with Red Lentils and Pearl Barley (v)

This was my second attempt with a slow cooker and from it I learnt that potatoes do not love a slow cooker, and lentils should be placed at the bottom of the crock pot. You have been warned.

For 6 large portions you need:
1 celeriac root, diced
2 carrots, sliced
1/2 swede, diced
1 cup red lentils
1 cup pearl barley
1.5 litres vegetable stock
2 onions, diced
1 heart celery, chopped small
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Begin by frying off the onion and celery in a pan. Place everything in the crock pot, starting with the barley and lentils and then adding the vegetables. Sprinkle over the herbs and add the stock. Leave on low for 8-10 hours.

Celery and Leeks Soup with Onions (v)

Yes it's definitely Autumn again, and with the weather like it was earlier the only thing that's going to put a smile on my face is a large, steaming bowl of yummy soup...

For 4 portions you need:
3 sticks celery, finely diced
3 leeks, finely shredded
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable oil
4-5 potatoes, diced with skins on
1.25l dark stock (e.g. vecon or marmite)

Saute the veggies in the oil in a lidded pan for about 10 mins. Add the stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for about 15-20 mins till everything is cooked and serve with nutritional yeast and bread. Feel warmer on the inside...

Chunky Vegetable and Pearl Barley Broth

It might be May but imho it's still freeeeeeeezing cold! This bowl of nourishing loveliness will soon warm the cockles of your heart tho :)

For 4 portions you need:
1 onion, chopped
3 leeks, finely sliced
5 potatoes, peeled and diced
3 sticks celery, sliced
3 carrots, sliced
1/2 cup pearl barley
1.5 litres veggie stock
2 tbsp oil

Sautee the veggies in the oil for 10 mins. Add the stock and barley. Simmer for 20-30 mins till everything is cooked. Serve with bread. Simples.