Chicken Soup with Lentils and Barley

Rinse the lentils under cold running water and drain; set them aside. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the sliced leeks or chopped onion, chopped sweet pepper, and garlic in butter or margarine until the vegetables are tender.

Carefully stir in the water, chicken broth, basil, oregano, rosemary, pepper, and lentils. Bring the mixture to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

Stir in the chicken or turkey, the carrots, and uncooked barley. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes more or just until carrots are tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes; heat through. Makes 6 servings.