Vegetable And Barley Soup - Half Your Plate

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 small Red Onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves Garlic
• 2 cups Butternut Squash (peeled and chopped)
• 2 Parsnips (peeled and chopped)
• 1/2 cup Pot or Pearl Barley
• 5 cups Vegetable Broth (low sodium)
• 3 sprigs Thyme
• 2 fresh or dry Bay Leaves
• 1 Green Pepper (diced)
• 2 plum Tomatoes (chopped)
• 3 tbsp Roasted Pepita Seeds (optional)