Unusual Manestra

Ingredients:
1 cup barley
1 cup chickpeas
1 small cup corn
1 cup beans
1 large carrot
a little celery
a little parsley
a little kale
2 cloves garlic
a little onion
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt, pepper
bay leaf
1-2 teaspoons vegeta
water

Preparation:
You can soak the barley overnight in double the amount of water, but you can also do it right before you start cooking while you prepare the other ingredients (as well as the chickpeas and beans). Then wash and drain the barley. Finely chop the garlic and onion and place in a large, heavy-bottomed pot with the chopped carrots, celery and parsley, and add water and olive oil. Sauté the onion for a few moments until fragrant. Add the remaining ingredients along with the spices and pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients. Cover and cook over low heat for an hour. Add a little more water if necessary. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and sprinkle with fresh, chopped parsley. This meal is ideal for Meal Prep.