Soothing Turmeric Chicken With Pearl Barley

Experience the ultimate comfort with this Soothing Turmeric Chicken with Pearl Barley. This golden-hued soup is not just a meal; it is a bowl of nourishment designed to boost your immunity and warm your soul. Featuring tender chicken breasts, hearty pearl barley, and a vibrant blend of aromatic spices, it is the perfect dish for chilly evenings or when you need a gentle pick-me-at.

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The secret to this soup's depth lies in the combination of cumin, coriander, and black pepper, which work together to enhance the earthy notes of the turmeric. As the pearl barley simmers in the low-sodium chicken broth, it absorbs all the wonderful flavors, while the addition of fresh baby spinach and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end provides a bright, fresh finish.

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

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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

To ensure your soup remains clear and golden, always rinse the pearl barley thoroughly before adding it to the pot. Simmering the soup uncovered helps the liquid reduce slightly, intensifying the flavors of the spices and the chicken broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with a can of chickpeas and use vegetable broth. If you don't have pearl barley on hand, it can be swapped for farro or brown rice; just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions for the grain you choose.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this comforting golden soup piping hot in deep bowls. It pairs beautifully with warm, crusty bread to soak up the aromatic broth and is best enjoyed immediately after the fresh parsley garnish is added.

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With 28g of protein and only 320 calories per serving, this dairy-free meal is a healthy addition to your rotation. Whether you are seeking a soothing recovery meal or a simple, nutritious dinner, this turmeric chicken soup is a global favorite that never fails to satisfy.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this dish golden-colored?

The vibrant golden color comes from ground turmeric, which not only provides beautiful hue but also adds anti-inflammatory properties and warm, earthy flavor.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply substitute the diced chicken with chickpeas and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The pearl barley and spices will still provide plenty of flavor and substance.

→ What can I use instead of pearl barley?

Farro or brown rice work well as substitutes, though you'll need to adjust cooking time. Brown rice typically requires 45-50 minutes, while farro cooks in about 30 minutes.

→ How long does the soup keep?

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

→ Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely. This base works well with additional vegetables like bell peppers, butternut squash, kale instead of spinach, or diced potatoes. Just add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process.

→ Is this gluten-free?

Pearl barley contains gluten, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting with brown rice, quinoa, or certified gluten-free grains. Always check your broth label to ensure it's gluten-free.