BARLEY LENTIL CHICKEN SOUP

Welcome to a cozy corner of the kitchen, where comfort meets flavor in a steaming bowl of Barley Lentil Chicken Soup. This heartwarming concoction is not just a soup; it's a symphony of wholesome ingredients dancing together to warm your soul.

BARLEY LENTIL CHICKEN SOUP

Ingredients:

• 8 cups low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3 pods cardamom
• 1 cup barley
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 can (14 oz.) petite-diced tomatoes in juice
• ½ cup dried lentils
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast meat, shredded
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 cups chopped Swiss chard

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 476
• Total Fat: 4.5g (6% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 189mg (7% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 95g (31% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 7.3g (29% DV)
• Sugars: 55g
• Protein: 23g

Instructions:

1. Place a teaspoon of olive oil in a large pot and heat it over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onions and carrots to the pot and sauté for about 10 minutes or until the onions become beautifully translucent.
3. Aromatics & Spice Magic:
4. Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and ground cumin.
5. Let the spices and garlic mingle for about a minute, releasing their fragrant aromas.
6. The Hearty Broth & Grains:
7. Pour in the chicken broth, barley, and those aromatic cardamom pods.
8. Cover the pot and bring it to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes.
9. Lentils & Tomatoes Join the Party:
10. After 20 minutes, remove the cardamom pods, and add dried lentils and diced tomatoes with their juices.
11. Cover and let it simmer for an additional 25 minutes until the barley and lentils become tender.
12. Protein & Greens Galore:
13. Introduce the shredded chicken, chopped Swiss chard, and kale into the mix.
14. Cover the pot for a mere 2-3 minutes to let the greens wilt gently.
15. Season, Serve & Savor:
16. Season your soup to taste with a pinch of salt and pepper.
17. Ladle this heartwarming Barley Lentil Chicken Soup into your favorite bowl, and enjoy every spoonful!

Notes:

• Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken.
• For meal prep or gatherings, you can make this soup a day ahead up to the point where you add the chicken and greens. Remember not to overcook the greens to preserve their nutrients.
• So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this bowl of love and warmth, and let the flavors hug your taste buds. Enjoy!