Minestrone Soup with Barley

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, (finely diced)
• 3 cloves garlic, (finely diced)
• 1 stalk celery, (finely diced)
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg powder, (optional)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon chilli powder, (optional)
• 3 cups diced vegetables, (e.g. carrot, sweet potato, green beans, zucchini, etc.)
• ½ cup barley
• 3 cups water
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 400 g can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar ((or honey))
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon salt ((optional), to taste)
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 400 g can Borlotti or Cannellini Beans, (drained and rinsed)
• ¼ cup Parmesan or Vegan Parmesan 'Cheese' (to serve (optional) )
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley or basil, (finely chopped to serve (optional))