Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup

Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks diced
• 1 lb. white (button) mushrooms, sliced
• 32 oz. low sodium chicken broth
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 cup cooked barley
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Directions:

1. Add oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Add broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, covered for 20 minutes.
3. Remove bay leaves and thyme stem. Add the barley and chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes.