Chicken and Barley Soup

Chicken and Barley Soup

Sooo gooooood!

From the kitchen of TheFarmGirl

1T butter

1 onion, diced

2 medium carrots, diced

1C celery, diced

2 chicken breasts, diced

6C water or chicken broth (throw in bullion cubes if you don't have broth)

1C barley

2 bay leaves

salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp dried tarragon

Melt the butter in a large stockpot, then add the onion and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until the onions start to go soft, then add the water or broth. Rinse the barley several times to remove dust and chaff, then add to the pot, along with the bay leaves. Simmer for about 20 minutes, then add the uncooked chicken to poach. Simmer for about another 20 minutes, or until the barley is soft and the chicken is cooked. Add the tarragon, salt and pepper and serve! This is even better the next day after all the flavors have a chance to sit in the fridge overnight. It also freezes really well. So good on a cold day!