Heat oil & saute garlic for 1 minute. Add carrot, barley, bay leaf & 2.5 c stock. Bring to a boil, cover & simmer for 15 minutes.
Puree half the chick peas & add to the pot with the spinach, zucchini & seasonings. Simmer covered for another 10 minutes. Add the rest of the chick peas, the remaining stock & lemon juice. Simmer gently for another 15 minutes until the barley is tender.