Save Warm up your kitchen with a bowl of Soothing Turmeric Chicken With Pearl Barley. This comforting, golden-hued soup is more than just a meal; it is a restorative experience designed for cozy nights. Featuring tender chicken and hearty pearl barley, it is infused with the warming, anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, creating a dish that is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Save The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the way the spices meld together. As the chicken simmers with the aromatic cumin and thyme, the barley absorbs the golden broth, resulting in a thick, stew-like consistency that feels like a hug in a bowl. It is the perfect restorative meal for when you need a bit of extra care.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced
- 3/4 cup (130 g) pearl barley, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 6 cups (1.5 L) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Step 2
- Stir in the garlic, turmeric, cumin, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add the diced chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until just starting to turn opaque.
- Step 4
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the pearl barley, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Step 5
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6
- Add the diced zucchini, cover, and simmer for another 10–15 minutes, or until barley is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When working with turmeric, keep in mind that it may stain porous surfaces; use non-porous utensils and cookware like stainless steel or enamel when possible. For the best texture, ensure you rinse the pearl barley thoroughly before adding it to the pot to remove excess starch. If you are using store-bought broth, double-check the label for potential allergens like gluten or soy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make a vegetarian version of this dish, simply omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add chickpeas or an extra cup of barley for heartiness. For an extra boost of greens, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of simmering.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this golden soup steaming hot with a fresh squeeze of lemon to brighten the earthy flavors. It is wonderful when paired with a side of warm, crusty bread. For a complete dining experience, try serving it alongside a light-bodied Chardonnay or a chilled Pinot Grigio.
Save This Soothing Turmeric Chicken With Pearl Barley is more than just a meal—it is a wholesome, high-protein bowl of comfort. Whether you are seeking a restorative dinner or a cozy lunch, the vibrant colors and warming spices are sure to satisfy and soothe.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and replace with an extra cup of pearl barley or add chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
- → Do I need to soak pearl barley before cooking?
No soaking required. Pearl barley cooks directly in the soup, softening nicely during the 35-minute simmer time. Just rinse it before adding to remove any dust.
- → What gives the soup its golden color?
The vibrant yellow hue comes primarily from ground turmeric, which also adds anti-inflammatory benefits and warm, earthy flavor notes to the broth.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Fresh spinach or kale work beautifully stirred in at the end. You could also add diced potatoes, bell peppers, or green beans based on preference.
- → How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this soup keeps well for 3-4 days. The barley will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
- → What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful broth. Lemon wedges add brightness, while fresh parsley provides color and herbaceous contrast.