Barley Vegetable soup

This is an easy to make, nutritious soup. To make this , you will need:

1 onion chopped
2- 3 cloves of Garlic crushed
1 cup of diced carrots
1 cup of chopped cabbage
1 medium size potato diced
11/2 cups of  diced ripe tomatoes
3/4 cup of pearl barley
2 tbsps of olive or vegetable oil
 8 cups of water
 2 tbsp.chopped coriander leaves.
salt and pepper to taste.

Wash and soak the barley in  2 cups of warm water for about 30 mns.( This helps in faster cooking). In a large pot or vessel, heat the oil and saute the chopped onion and garlic till they become soft. Add all the vegetables, the soaked barley (along with the water) and the remaining 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 30 mns or till the barley is fully cooked and soft.  You may add extra water if required to get the desired consistency.  Add salt & pepper and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes.  Add chopped coriander leaves before serving.