Parsnip and Leek soup

Leek and Potato is a classic soup combo, but I don't think potato really adds anything flavour-wise. Parsnip, on the other hand, is lovely so since I had some in the fridge I thought this would make a good soup.

Ingredients
3 large parsnips
1 leek
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
85g pearl barley
1 vegetable stock cube

* peel and chop the veg
* heat a little oil in a large pan and fry the onion and leek for a couple of minutes
* Add the parsnip and barley, cover with water (a couple of pints) and add the stock cube plus any herbs etc
* simmer for 45 minutes or until the veg is cooked and the barley softened.

Leek and Potato Soup

I always said that I hated soup, but lately I've realised that what I hate is 'cream of ...' soup, or any soup which has been blitzed completely smooth. Homemade soup with lots of chunky veg in it is actually pretty good and has the advantage of being cheap to make. I forsee a lot of soup in my immediate future.

Ingredients (serves 3-4)
2 leeks, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped
450g potatoes, peeled and chopped
100g pearl barley
1 litre vegetable stock
Herbs, pepper etc to season

* heat 1tsp oil in a large pan and saute the leek, onion and garlic for a couple of minutes
* add the stock, potato and barley and season
* bring to the boil then reduce heat and simmer for about an hour