Vegetarian Barley

Ingredients

2 onions
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
3 t butter
1 package tomatoes
8 c water
1 t basil
1/2 t thyme
2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 c pearl barley
2 c green beans
1 t dill

Instructions

* (cut up up the frozen green beans or green peas to make 2 cups) Saute onions, carrots, and celery in heated butter or margarine in a large kettle for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, water, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in barley and lower heat. Cook slowly, covered, 1 1/2 hours, until barley is tender. Stir in beans or peas during last 10 minutes of cooking. Remove from heat and stir in dill. Serves 10-12. Good for informal lunch or supper.