Comforting golden soup with tender chicken, pearl barley, and warming turmeric perfect for cozy nights.
# Components:
→ Protein
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced
→ Grains
02 - 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed
→ Vegetables
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
→ Broth & Seasonings
08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Garnishes
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# Directions:
01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the diced chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until just starting to turn opaque.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, add the pearl barley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
05 - Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add the diced zucchini, cover, and simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
