• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. salt (try using less, especially if broth is salty)
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (use 1/2 tsp. if your family prefers spicier food)
• 1 - 2 bay leaves
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 2 veggie Italian sausages (I used 2 individual Boca Italian sausages - thawed in the microwave)
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic - smashed and minced 10 minutes prior to heating
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 chopped sweet pepper (I love the red, yellow or orange ones)
• 1 can quartered artichoke hearts, packed in water - drained
• 1 (14 oz.) can cannellini beans - drained and rinsed
• 1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes - do not drain
• 2-1/2 cup water or broth (I use Vegetable Base by Better than Bouillon™)
• 1 cup barley, uncooked (I use 100% Natural Wholegrain Barley by Mother's®)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Add the oil to a large saucepan and heat on stove.
• Add onion, garlic, and pepper and sauté for approx. 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring once in a while.
• Add tomatoes, barley, artichokes, and beans. Bring to boil and stir frequently.
• Cut veggie sausage into 1/2 inch pieces and add to mixture.
• Add the seasonings and mix well into the pan. Cover and heat on low for 5 minutes.
• Transfer ingredients to an ovenproof dish with cover for 30 - 40 minutes.
• Stir before serving. Remove the bay leaves and garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings: Serves 4 very generously for an entreé or 6 - 8 for a side dish.

I served this recipe as an entreé with steamed rainbow swiss chard, whole wheat bread, and a fresh fruit salad.