Making corn-fed chicken and barley soup is a wholesome and flavorful way to enjoy a hearty meal. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole corn-fed chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare Corn-Fed Chicken:
- Rinse the corn-fed chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large soup pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Add Garlic and Chicken:
- Add minced garlic to the vegetables and sauté for an additional minute. Place the corn-fed chicken pieces in the pot and brown them on all sides.
- Add Barley and Broth:
- Stir in the rinsed pearl barley. Pour in the chicken broth. Add bay leaves and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the barley is tender.
- Remove Chicken and Shred:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat using forks. Discard the bones and skin.
- Return Chicken to Soup:
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup. Stir well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Check Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, you can add more chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Ladle the corn-fed chicken and barley soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the soup hot and enjoy a comforting and nourishing meal.
This corn-fed chicken and barley soup is a balanced and nutritious dish, combining the richness of corn-fed chicken with the heartiness of barley and vegetables. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and savor the delicious flavors of this homemade soup.
