1
cut or chop all vegetables to your preferred size and shape. to interpret, that's about 3 celery ribs, 2 or 3 carrots, about half a medium size head of cabbage, 1 packet of onion soup, one can of tomatoes, for broth I use whatever Better Than Bouillon I have, often a blend of veg/chicken/beef.
2
put all ingredients except the barley in a pot, season to your liking, I used some garlic powder, thyme, several grinds of black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (no salt!)
3
bring to a boil then cut back heat to med low, cover and let go for 20 minutes
4
add barley, cover and let go for 10 minutes.
done.