Step 1

In a 3 1/2- to 5-quart slow cooker combine tomato juice, broth, sweet peppers, onion, barley, garlic, and black pepper.

Step 2

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 1/2 to 4 hours.

Step 3

If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in zucchini. Cover and cook for 30 minutes more.