Hearty Barley Soup with Chicken and Vegetables

Looking for a healthy and filling soup recipe? Look no further than this delicious barley soup! Made with protein-rich chicken broth and packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barley
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken or beef
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, celery, and carrots and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add the barley, chicken broth, thyme, and salt and pepper to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the barley is tender.
3. Add the cooked chicken or beef to the pot and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the meat is heated through.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the meat.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as mushrooms or sweet potato.
• To save time, you can use pre-cooked barley or rotisserie chicken.