Jacob's Spicy Lentil Barley Soup

Lentils are very high in folic acid and a great way to help build up iron levels in our blood.  I developed this soup last year as a quick dinner with lots of flavor.  Add some hearty bread and/ or a salad and its a perfect quick healthy meal.  I usually have the ingredients on hand and it only takes about 20 minutes to get it ready.  This is the basic list I put in but feel free to add or subtract to your own tastes:



Lentil Health Benefits:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=52

Jacob's Spicy Lentil Barley Soup   
1 bag of pre cut slaw mix (I buy these on sale and keep them in the freezer for use in soups)http://www.freshdirect.com/cg_meal_item_detail.jsp?recipeId=rec_grilled_fishtacos&variantId=rec_grilled_fishtacos_cod&productId=clig_coleslaw_mix&skuCode=VEG0070875

1 box frozen chopped spinach                                               
3 Tbs. Olive oil
3 - 5 cups water
2 chicken bullion cubes
1 Tbs. red pepper flakes
1/3 cup vinegar (apple or red wine)
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup uncooked lentils
1/2 cup uncooked barley
1 Tbs. garlic powder

Salt and Pepper to taste          

Combine all ingrediants in a large pot and bring to a simmer for 20 minutes or until the Lentils and Barley are softened.
Add some chicken breast meat or shrimp for a meatier meal.  Leftover soup freezes well for even quicker hot meals. 

Genesis 25: 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright