Rinse the pearl barley under running water, cook it in plenty of boiling salted water according to the times indicated on the package (usually 20-25 minutes), then drain and set aside.
Wash the courgettes, trim the ends and cut them into rounds. Peel and finely chop the onion and the clove of garlic.
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, add the chopped onion and garlic and fry gently until translucent. Add the courgettes, stir and let it cook for a few minutes. Pour in the hot vegetable stock, covering the courgettes completely. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook for about 15-20 minutes, until the courgettes are soft.
Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to reduce the courgettes to a smooth cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toast the almonds in a non-stick pan without fat, turning them often, until golden and then chop them coarsely.
Pour the hot cream soup into plates, add a portion of cooked barley in the center and garnish with the toasted almonds and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If desired, add a few fresh thyme leaves and a grated lemon zest for a touch of freshness.
Serve the cream soup with whole wheat bread croutons or a slice of toasted bread.