Lentil Barley Stew

This stew is effortless to make; using frozen mixed vegetables simplifies the process.  At around 8.5 cups total, I get 5 servings out of this, each of which costs $0.80.  *275 calories and 11.1 g protein per serving*  

Ingredients (makes 5 servings)

• 1 TBSP olive oil
• 1 onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables
• 3/4 cup dried lentils
• 3/4 cup pearled barley (dry)
• 6 cups broth (I use broth powder and water)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a pot, saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil for about 5 minutes or until the onion is translucent.  Rinse the lentils and barley, and add them to the pot along with the vegetables and the broth.  Turn up the heat to high to bring the stew to a boil.  Then, lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer for 40-50 minutes until the lentils and barley are soft.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

cost
olive oil:  $0.17
onion:  $1.00
garlic:  $0.28
mixed vegetables  $0.85*
lentils:  $0.33
pearled barley:  $0.56
veggie broth:  $0.80
salt:  n/a
total cost per batch:  $3.99
total cost per serving:  $0.80

*I bought lentils and frozen mixed vegetables at Target

per serving (1 + 2/3 cup)
calories:  275
fat:  3.7 g
carbohydrates:  51.9 g
protein:  11.1 g

*3.3 mg iron*