If you find soup to bland add your favorite spices. I add chili, cumin and curry.

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil	-Drained
2 Large Carrots, Sliced	2 Cups Diced Tomatoes, If Using
2 Stalks Celery, Sliced	-Can Tomatoes Discard Juices
1 Large Onion, Chopped	1/4 Cup Uncooked Pearl Barley
2 Cloves Garlic (optional), Finely	2 Cups Fresh Spinach (optional),
- Chopped	-Firmly Packed And Chopped
1 Box (900 Ml) Chicken Or	Ground Black Pepper
-Vegetable Broth	Spices Of Your Choice
1 Can Red Kidney Beans, Rinsed &

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, garlic and onions. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.

Stir in the broth, beans, tomatoes and barley. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 35 minutes or until the barley is tender.

Stir in the spinach and season to taste with black pepper. Cook until spinach is tender.