Hearty Barley and Lentil Soup

When the weather dips below zero(and further), the only thing you want to do is stay cozy with a warm bowl of soup. This soup is not only great for warming your insides, but it has a long cooking time on the stove top, which heats to the house, so it does wonders for warming you outsides, too! Pair this delicious meal-in-a-bowl with some crusty bread, or a nice homemade olive foccacia, and you've got yourself a fantastic Sunday evening meal, with lots of leftovers for the week to come! Enjoy!

Step 1 What you'll need:

(Note: this recipe can easily feed 8 to 12 people, and generously at that)

- 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, diced (I used red and yellow)
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsp. fresh basil (or 2 tsp. dried)
- 2 tbsp. fresh oregano (or 2 tsp. dried)
- 5 c. beef broth
- 1-796ml(28 oz.)  can plum tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1 c. pearl barley
- 1 c. small lentils(brown or orange)

Optional toppings:
- grated cheese, like mozzarella
- hot sauce or smoky chipotle sauce