Comfy Chicken Lentil Barley Soup

So I'm home sick today.  I want some chicken soup with a bunch of veggies to make me feel better.  I can't say it has worked so far but the soup was definitely comforting.

Comfy Chicken Lentil Barley Soup

Serves 5 or 6

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

3 chicken breasts
1 onion, chopped onion
2 ribs celery, chopped 
1 tsp minced garlic
EVOO spray
5 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup dry lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tsp Italian seasoning mix
Dash red pepper flakes
1 cup julienned carrots
1/2 cup quick-cooking barley
1 can Northern beans, rinsed and drained
2Tbsp fresh basil, minced
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
3 or 4 cups fresh spinach

Directions

1. In a Dutch Oven spray the bottom with EVOO spray and add the chopped onion, celery and garlic.

2. Grill and cube the chicken.

3. Into the Dutch Oven stir in broth, water, lentils, and spices. Bring to boiling, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile place a bit of broth in a blender with the Northern beans.  Blend until smooth.

4. Stir in chicken, beans. carrots, and barley; simmer 20 minutes or until carrots are tender.

5. Remove soup mixture from heat.  Stir in spinach, green onion and basil.