Soothing Turmeric Chicken Pearl Barley

When the weather cools or you feel a bit under the weather, there is nothing more restorative than a bowl of Soothing Turmeric Chicken with Pearl Barley. This vibrant, golden soup is a nutritional powerhouse that combines lean protein, hearty grains, and earthy aromatics to create a meal that is as functional as it is delicious.

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The combination of turmeric, cumin, and coriander provides a deep, warming flavor profile and a signature golden hue. Pearl barley adds a satisfying, chewy texture, making this soup a complete and filling main dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced
• 3/4 cup (120 g) pearl barley, rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 100 g baby spinach leaves
• 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add diced chicken and cook, stirring, until lightly browned on all sides (about 3 minutes).

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Add zucchini and continue simmering for 10 minutes, until barley is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 6

Stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and lemon juice. Remove bay leaf.

Step 7

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Always remember to rinse your pearl barley thoroughly before adding it to the pot to ensure a clear broth. If you find the soup becomes too thick upon standing, simply add a splash of extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a can of chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes during the sautéing process. You can also swap pearl barley for other grains like farro or brown rice, adjusting the simmering time as needed.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread. The acidity from the fresh lemon juice added at the end is crucial as it brightens the earthy spices and enhances the overall flavor of the broth.

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Whether you are looking for a nourishing lunch or a comforting weeknight dinner, this Turmeric Chicken and Pearl Barley soup is a reliable and healthy choice. Serve it steaming hot and enjoy the warming benefits of this golden dish.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the diced chicken with chickpeas and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. The barley and spices create a hearty, satisfying soup without any meat.

→ What grain alternatives work well?

Farro or brown rice make excellent substitutes for pearl barley. Farro has a similar chewy texture, while brown rice adds a nutty flavor. Adjust cooking time accordingly—brown rice may need an additional 10-15 minutes.

→ How long does this soup keep?

This soup stores beautifully for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. The barley continues to absorb liquid, so you may need to add more broth when reheating. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely. Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or kale would be wonderful additions. Add root vegetables with the carrots and celery, and leafy greens like kale can go in with the spinach.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

The recipe contains gluten due to the pearl barley. For a gluten-free version, substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or certified gluten-free grains. Always check your broth label to ensure it's gluten-free.

→ How can I add more protein?

The soup already provides 28g of protein per serving from the chicken and barley. To boost it further, serve with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or stir in some white beans during the last 10 minutes of cooking.