Ingredients

9 cups low sodium chicken broth
6 garlic cloves , crushed and divided
1/2 cup barley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups diced carrots
1 onion , chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 lb ground chicken thighs or 1 lb ground turkey
4 garlic cloves , minced
1 1/4 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated romano cheese
2 tablespoons milk
1 egg , beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
freshly grated parmesan cheese
Italian Chicken Meatball Soup With Barley is a classic Italian dish that is hearty and nutritious. This soup is perfect for a cold day, as it warms you up from the inside out. The soup is made up of a flavorful broth, delicious chicken meatballs, and healthy vegetables. The barley adds a great texture to the soup and makes it a complete meal. It's easy enough to make for a weeknight meal, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The soup is a perfect example of Italian comfort food, and it's the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, bring the chicken broth and 3 crushed garlic cloves to a boil.
2.Add the barley, red pepper flakes, thyme, sage, marjoram, oregano, and salt. Reduce heat and simmer until the barley is tender, about 40 minutes.
3.Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the ground chicken or turkey with the remaining garlic, breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, milk, egg, and 1 tablespoon of parsley.
4.Form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
5.Add the diced carrots, onion, and black pepper to the simmering soup and let cook for 10 minutes.
6.Add the meatballs to the soup and let cook for an additional 10 minutes.
7.Serve hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.

PROS

This soup is a complete meal in a bowl, with protein from the meatballs and fiber from the barley and vegetables.

The flavorful herbs and spices make it a comforting and satisfying meal for a chilly day.

CONS

The meatballs require some prep work, which may be time-consuming.

Also, the soup may have a high sodium content depending on the brand of chicken broth used.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This soup is packed with nutrients, including vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and protein from the meatballs.
Barley is also a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The garlic and herbs in the soup have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help boost the immune system.

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