This hearty chicken and barley soup is prepared using whole grain barley, fresh herbs such as thyme, celery, and lean chicken meat. It is a delicious, healthy, nutrient-packed bowl of soup to keep you warm during winter nights.
Heat oil in a stock pot on medium to high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. Sauté chicken for about 5-6 min or until tender and all the water has evaporated. Take out the chicken and keep aside
In the same pot, add minced garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant for about 30 sec. Then add onion and sauté until translucent
Add chopped tomatoes and cook for about 2-3 min.
Add celery, barley, chicken stock and water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Then add fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and the remaining smoked paprika. Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 25 to 30 min.
Add cooked chicken, adjust seasonings, if necessary and simmer for about 5 min.
Notes
You can cook chicken breast or thigh first and then cut them into bite size pieces. However, make sure that the chicken is well done
If you don't like ginger, you can skip it altogether
You can also add vegetables like carrot, spinach, peppers etc. to make it even more healthy (and colorful!).