Barley Soup with Ham

This soup really hit the spot on today's chilly football filled day :)

Ingredients:

1 cup pearl barley

9 cups water

1 tablespoon beef bullion

2 carrots, chopped (we used 4 because we like vegis)

1 large onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 leeks, chopped

1 large potato chopped

8oz ham steak cooked and diced

2 bay leaves

1 tea. oregano

salt and pepper

In a large pot bring the 9 cups of water to a boil, add the barley and bullion and let it simmer for about an hour. After an hour, stir in all the vegetables, potato, ham, and herbs. Simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until the barley, potatoes, and vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper, another serving suggestion was to sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. We had ours for a late lunch with some warm cornbread, yummmmm!