Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup

Chicken, Mushroom and Barley Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 carrot(s) (diced)
• 3 celery stalks (diced)
• 1 lb. white (button) mushrooms (sliced)
• 32 oz. chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 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. Add broth, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer, covered for 20 minutes.
2. Remove bay leaves and thyme stem. Add the barley and chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes. To bulk cook barley, add 11 oz. dry pearled (quick-cooking) barley to a pot of 4 cups boiling water. Cover, then reduce to a simmer for 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat, keep covered off the heat for 5 minutes. Makes 6 cups cooked barley. This barley can be used in any recipe calling for cooked barley. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 7 days or package in freezer bags in one cup increments for up to 6 months.