Soothing Turmeric Chicken Pearl Barley (Printable)

Comforting golden soup with tender chicken, pearl barley, and warming spices for immunity and soul

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), diced

→ Grains

02 - 3/4 cup (4.2 oz) pearl barley, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 small zucchini, diced
08 - 3.5 oz baby spinach leaves

→ Broth & Seasonings

09 - 6 cups (48 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
12 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

→ Finish

17 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced chicken and cook, stirring, until lightly browned on all sides (about 3 minutes).
04 - Pour in chicken broth and add pearl barley and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 35 minutes.
05 - Add zucchini and continue simmering for 10 minutes, until barley is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The turmeric creates the most gorgeous golden broth that feels healing just to look at
  • Pearl barley gives this soup the most satisfying, chewy texture that keeps you full for hours
  • Everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum comfort
02 -
  • The soup will continue thickening as it sits because barley loves to absorb liquid
  • Turmeric stains everything, including your favorite wooden spoons, so use stainless steel
  • Barley needs a full simmer to become tender, so dont rush the 35 minute cooking time
03 -
  • Rinse your pearl barley until the water runs completely clear or your soup will turn cloudy
  • Wait until the very end to add salt, as the broth reduces and concentrates
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