Barley Stew with Sausage Meatballs

Ingredients

• • 4 cups (1 litre) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (200 g) pearl barley, rinsed and drained
  • 4 mild Italian sausages, casings removed
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
  • ½ lb (225 g) cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz/398 ml) diced tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes