Step 1

Crock Pot:Place the vegetables, seasonings, and barley into a large (at least 5 quart) slow cooker. Add enough vegetable broth to just cover the vegetables (start with 6 cups and add more as needed). Cover and cook on low heat for 7 hours. Add beans, tomatoes, parsley, and salt to taste. Check seasonings and add more herbs if necessary. Cover and cook for another hour.

Step 2

Stovetop:Place vegetables, seasonings, barley, and broth into a large stockpot. Cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, check seasonings, and add more herbs if necessary. Simmer uncovered for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Step 3

Instant Pot: Using an 8-quart Instant Pot, place vegetables, seasonings, barley, and 6 cups broth into the pot, seal the cooker, and set the timer to 12 minutes at high pressure. Once done, allow the pressure to come down naturally for 15 minutes and then quick release. Add the beans, tomatoes, parsley, salt to taste as well as extra seasonings (very important as the Instant Pot leaches out flavor of herbs.) Simmer for 15-30 minutes using the Saute setting on low.