Barley and Lentil Soup

http://www.ciaoitalia.com/seasons/19/1921/barley-and-lentil-soup

Barley and Lentil soup is hardy and nutritious;make it in a crock pot. Buy your lentils where the turnover is high so they haven't been sitting on a shelf for years. Don't add any additional salt to the soup while it is cooking, and don't add lentils to already boiling water as both can make lentils tough.

Serves 12
Ingredients

1 cup brown lentils
1/2 cup pearled barley
5 to 6 fresh basil leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh parsley
1 cup chopped carrots
1 cup chopped fennel (plus feathery leaf tops)
1 cup chopped onion
2 minced garlic cloves
1 whole bay leaf
One 28 ounce can crushed plum tomatoes with juice
Juice 1 large lemon
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
Directions

Rinse and sort the lentils. Add lentils and barley to a crock pot. Tie the herbs together with cooking string and add to pot along with all the rest ofthe ingredients except the cheese. Cover and cook on low heat for 12 to 14 hours, or on high heat for 5 to 6 hours.

Discard bay leaf and tied bunch of herbs. Serve hot and pass cheese on side