Chicken Soup with Lentils and Barley

Happy New Year!! It's been a minute! the Healthish is back and still cooking good recipes.

I want you to embrace a nourishing start to the year by incorporating nutritious ingredients into your diet. Explore recipes featuring superfoods and wholesome grains for a satisfying yet healthy dining experience.

In 2023 I souped it up with nothing but new soup recipes. I want to share with you my favorite soup recipes this year and much more.

I want you to step into the kitchen with enthusiasm as we kick off the new year with a celebration of soups that are not only comforting but also bursting with vibrant flavors.

This "Chicken Soup with Lentils and Barley" is a perfect start for the new year. It's quick, hearty, and absolutely delicious.

So remember, I cook it, I eat it, so I know you'll love it!

Ingredients

• ½ cup dry lentils

• 1 cup chopped onion

• ½ cup chopped red sweet pepper

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

• 3 cups water

• 2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

• 1 ½ teaspoons snipped fresh basil or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

• ¾ teaspoon snipped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 ½ cups chopped pre-cooked chicken or turkey breast

• 1 cup of frozen vegetables

• ½ cup quick-cooking barley

• 1 14.5 ounce can low-sodium diced tomatoes

Directions

Rinse the lentils under cold running water and drain; set them aside. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, cook the chopped onion, chopped sweet pepper, and garlic in butter or margarine until the vegetables are tender. About 6-8 mins.

Carefully stir in the water, chicken broth, basil, oregano, rosemary, black pepper, and lentils. Bring the mixture to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

Stir in the chicken or turkey, frozen vegetables and uncooked barley. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes more or just until frozen vegetables are tender. Stir in undrained tomatoes; heat through.

Serve it up in a bowl with a big spoon! Bon appétit!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

248 Calories

8g Fat

28g Carbs

19g Protein