Chicken and Barley Soup

In light of the PFP Challenge, I've been making every effort to make our meals more healthy. I wholeheartedly agree in splurges and indulgences, but in moderation. My weight started to creep up when I let indulgences become an everyday thing.


I've turned to cookbooks like these. I have a bunch in my arsenol from thrift stores. Even though I'm not a real recipe-follower, I still own many cookbooks for their inspiration. I like using their recipes as a "starting point" to then add my own to the recipes.


Chicken and Barley Soup
(Adapted from Better Homes and Gardens Low Fat Meals)

2 quarts stock (I used my homemade, unsalted version)
28 oz. can of crushed tomatoes
4 stalks celery, chopped (include leaves)
4 carrots, chopped
1/4 small green cabbage, chopped
1 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup quick cooking barley
~3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
2 leftover baked potatoes, cubed

Add the liquids and raw vegetables to a large stock pot, and bring to a boil. Add the salt, pepper, and barley. Cook for about 10 minutes until the barley is tender. Add any pre-cooked ingredients (the chicken, potatoes, and any other veggies on hand you want to use up) and let come up to temperature.

Makes about 6 quarts - you will have lots of leftovers and some to freeze!


This was a delicious, comforting dinner. The tomato broth was a turn from our usual soups. I loved that it was packed with a ton of veggies, it made it filling without being heavy.