Slow cooker thick and chunky vegetable soup

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 4 hours
• Serves 8, costs approx £3 (38p per portion)

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 carrots, chopped into large chunks
• 2 onions, cut into wedges
• 300g frozen mixed peppers
• 2 tins tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
• 2 litres vegetable stock
• 100g pearl barley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Allergy disclaimer: Always check the label of each ingredient for allergen information.

Method

1. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker, mix well then cover and cook for 4 hours on high.
2. When cooked, move most of the veg (except the potatoes) and pearl barley to a mixing bowl with a slotted spoon.
3. With a hand blender, whizz up the potatoes and remaining veg to thicken the soup.
4. Return the reserved veg and pearl barley to the soup.
5. Season to taste.