GGal ... I'll look forward to your RR after you make this! I have really come to like barley as a side dish, so am sure this will be delicious when you make it.
LBC ... Looks nice and easy! And very similar to some soups that I do make ... I usually just toss it all in the crock pot and forget about it ... and go and quilt!! Then puree right in the crock pot when ready, with the immersion blender.