Ingredients

1 1/2 lbs ground chicken ( turkey can also be used )
1 1/4 cups quick-cooking barley
2 cans Italian tomatoes , diced and not drained
1 cup onion , diced fine
2 carrots , diced fine ( medium size )
2/3 cup celery , diced fine
2 cans potatoes , drained and chopped
6 cups chicken broth
2 -3 teaspoons garlic , minced ( more or less to taste )
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh basil , chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil ( to saute the chicken and vegetables )
salt
pepper
parmesan cheese
fresh spinach
Chicken and Potato Barley Soup is a delicious and hearty soup that will warm your soul on a chilly day. It is made with ground chicken, quick-cooking barley, and a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal on its own. The soup has a rich flavor and a thick consistency that is perfect for dipping crusty bread into. To make this soup even healthier, you can add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This soup is perfect for meal prepping, as it stores well in the fridge and can be easily reheated.

Instructions

1.In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the ground chicken until browned and cooked through.
2.Add the onions, celery, and garlic and saute for another 2-3 minutes until soft.
3.Transfer the mixture to a large pot and add the chicken broth, potatoes, barley, carrots, tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh herbs.
4.Stir everything until well combined and bring to a boil.
5.Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the barley and vegetables are tender.
6.Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7.Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh spinach leaves on top.

PROS

Chicken and Potato Barley Soup is quick and easy to make with a lot of ingredients that are already in your pantry.
It is a perfect meal for a cold day, comfort food for everyone, and budget-friendly.
Plus, the combination of grains, protein, and vegetables makes it a healthy and satisfying meal.

CONS

This soup can be a little bit heavy in calories and fat if you go overboard with the cheese and olive oil.
Unfortunately, the soup also has a downside of being a bit high in sodium.
To make the soup healthier, choose low-sodium chicken broth and go easy on the cheese, or skip it altogether.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Chicken and Potato Barley Soup is a nutritious meal packed with vitamins and minerals. The chicken in the soup provides protein and amino acids, which promotes satiety and helps maintain healthy muscle mass. The barley is rich in fiber, which improves gut health, and also provides essential nutrients like selenium, manganese, and copper. The soup’s vegetables such as carrots and celery contain vitamins and antioxidants that support the immune system and overall health. Finally, spinach is low in calories, high in vitamins A and C, and a great source of iron.

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