This meal-in-a-soup is very low in fat, full of healthy vegetables and boasts low glossary term GI carbs from the barley and kidney beans. It's easy to make and very filling. What's not to love? It's ideal for someone who has diabetes and needs slow-release food for steady blood glucose .

Ingredients

2 teaspoons oil
1 medium onion, cut in thin wedges
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/3 cup pearl barley
1 stick celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
400g canned tomatoes with herbs
¼ cup tomato paste
2 cups (500ml) vegetable or chicken stock, reduced-salt
2 cups water
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
300g can red kidney beans, drained

Methods/steps

Heat a large saucepan and add oil. Then add onion, garlic and barley; stir over medium heat about 2 minutes or until onion is soft but not browned.
Add celery, carrot, tomatoes, tomato paste, beans stock, water, Worcestershire sauce and basil.
Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until barley is soft. Mix in drained kidney beans and return to heat, stirring.
Serve with grainy toast.

Additional Tips

Nutrition per serve:
including one thick slice of wholemeal toast
1312 kJ (312 kcal), 5g fat (including 1g glossary term saturated fat ), 46g carbohydrate (including 12g sugars), 13g fibre and 1019mg sodium.

Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 40 mins