Frugal Barley Soup

Since everyone in England is celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Weekend, I thought I would do a few posts that were British food inspired.  It has been chilly & a bit gray around here the last few days, so soup was a natural choice.

This Frugal Barley Soup is so incredibly simple ~ in both preparation & ingredients.  It's no wonder that it has been around to assist in the feeding the masses, in one form or another, since the late 1700's.  The person who made this soup such a mainstay of the old workhouses & soup kitchens everywhere, was the American-born British physicist and inventor, Count Rumford.  His original soup was known as Rumford's Soup. (for more on his life story, go here.)

My favorite version of this barley soup is from a recipe I found in a Penzeys Spices catalog, it has such a wonderful flavor & is so healthy for you, too.  Next time you want a simple, hearty, filling & super cheap meal ~ give this soup recipe a try.