Crockpot Mushroom Barley Lentil Stew

I made this tonight and it was absolutely delicious.  Warm, comforting, and healthy.  Barley and lentils are full of fiber, which helps you to feel satisfied.  This is also a very easy dish to put together.


Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped
6 cups water
1-2 tbs. Better Than Bullion Vegetable Base
1 16 oz. package sliced fresh mushrooms (or more for extra deliciousness)
3/4 cup uncooked pearled barley
3/4 cup dried brown lentils
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. sage
3 bay leaves
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. pepper
Olive oil
Salt to taste


Directions:


Saute onion in olive oil until translucent.  This step is optional, but gives the stew a more complex, mellow flavor.

Throw all the ingredients in your crockpot and stir.  Add olive oil to taste (I add several tablespoons of olive oil to every soup or stew I make, which gives it a wonderful flavor).

Cook for 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.  It can also be made on the stovetop.

Add salt to taste if needed after cooking.