If using dry beans (skip if your beans are already cooked): Rinse 2 cups dry mung beans, adzuki beans, black beans, black-eyed peas, chickpeas, or kidney beans until the water runs clear, then cook on low heat for 2 hours or until tender. Add more water if they look too dry at any point. Set aside.
Finely dice 1 large onion, 1 carrot and 1/2 head garlic. To save time, you can also throw them in a food processor or blender and pulse a few times.
Pour 1/4 cup cooking oil into a stock pot or Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and garlic and sauté until lightly browned.
Roughly chop 1 large tomato or 1/2 can diced tomatoes. Add tomato and 2 tbsp tomato paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes.
Sprinkle in 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 2 tsp ground coriander, chili flakes (if using), and 2 to 3 tsp salt.
Pour in 1 cup soya chunks or vegan mutton chunks (if using), 1 cup barley, the cooked beans (along with all the remaining bean cooking water), and 6 cups vegetable stock.
Cover and bring to a simmer, then turn the heat down to the lowest setting and let cook for 30 minutes.
Turn off the heat and stir in scallions, dill, and dried mint. Top with Vegan Yogurt (if using).