Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup

Combine 6 cups vegetable broth, frozen vegetables, tomatoes with juice, potatoes, onion, barley, garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours.

Place flour in a large bowl; cut shortening into flour using a pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add remaining 1/4 cup vegetable broth; stir with a fork until dough no longer sticks onto the sides of the bowl. Transfer dough to a lightly floured surface; roll out 1/8 inch thick. Cut dough into strips or small squares. Add to the slow cooker; cook until dumplings are soft and cooked in the middle, about 1 hour.