Mixed pulse soup 杂豆汤

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of the soup mix (adjust based on how many servings you want)
- 6-8 cups of vegetable or chicken broth (depending on how thick you like your soup)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 tsp of dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter

Instructions:

1. **Rinse the Soup Mix:**
  - Start by rinsing the soup mix under cold water to remove any dust or debris.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
  - Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  - Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften.

3. **Add the Soup Mix:**
  - Add the rinsed soup mix to the pot, stirring to combine it with the vegetables.

继续
4. **Add the Broth:**
  - Pour in the broth, adding more if you prefer a thinner soup.
  - Add the bay leaf and thyme if using.

5. **Cook the Soup:**
  - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
  - Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the barley and peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. **Season:**
  - Once the soup is cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more broth if necessary.

7. **Serve:**
  - Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  - Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips:
- **Additions:** You can add other vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or tomatoes for more flavor and nutrition.
- **Protein:** If you want to add some protein, cooked chicken or sausage could complement the soup nicely.
- **Freezing:** This soup freezes well, so you can make a large batch and save some for later.

Enjoy your hearty and healthy homemade soup!