HOLISTIC CHEF EDDIE'S TIP OF THE DAY #57

Today I am featuring a cancer fighting, high fiber, cholesterol free soup, MUSHROOM BEAN & BARLEY SOUP.  It is chock full of important lifesaving nutrients.  I have been offering recipes that are Gluten Free only and I know Barley has gluten.  It is a traditional soup, however you can easily substitute a Gluten Free grain such as Wild Rice, Brown Rice, Millet, Quinoa, Buckwheat Groats, Oat Groats, etc.  Definitely before buying any whole grain as the above, make sure it says Gluten Free because often they are processed in factories that carry wheat products.  If you are able to eat Barley, it is rich in cancer fighting fiber, prevents formation of gallstones and helps lower cholesterol.  Here is a healing holistic story for you.  A client of mine from the past had recurring gallstones, very painful.  He began eating Barley as a cereal each morning and he hasn't had a recurrence in several years.  I love that people take this seriously and can heal without drugs.  Your body really does want to heal itself given the right environment.  As for the White Beans in this recipe, they are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, Vitamin B1 and cancer fighting fiber and White Beans lower the risk of many illnesses.  This recipe has so much flavor in it and is a winner.  To your continued health.

        MUSHROOM BEAN & BARLEY SOUP

1 Sweet Onion, chopped
3 cloves Garlic, minced
2 medium size Carrots, sliced 1/4 inch
2 ribs of Celery, sliced 1/4 inch
1 package (4 ounces) Mushrooms
3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Bay Leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh Thyme or 1 teaspoon dried Thyme
1/4 cup White Wine 
3 Tablespoons Braggs Liquid Amino
1/2 cup Pearl Barley (or a Gluten Free Grain)
1 - 15 ounce can Cannellini Beans
4 cups Vegetable Broth (you can use Chicken Broth)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1)  In a large soup pot, heat the Extra Virgin Olive Oil over medium high heat and add the Onion, Carrots, Celery, Mushrooms, Thyme and Bay Leaf.  Lower the heat to simmer and cook covered for 10 minutes allowing the juices to release and mix with the oil.  It's called "sweating".  
2)  Add the minced Garlic and stir in for 30 seconds only, making sure the garlic does not brown.  Add the Braggs, White Wine and Vegetable Broth (Chicken if preferred), salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil and add the White Beans and Barley.  Lower to simmer.  Cook for 45 minutes.  Adjust the seasonings and dish it up in a bowl.  Love it.  Blessings to all of you!!!