Southwestern Chicken Barley Tomato Soup

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 (16 ounce) jar medium hot salsa (pace picante, recommended)
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can fat free chicken broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 bunch green onion, chopped
• 1 cup quick-cooking barley
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed
• 1 1/2-2 lbs chicken breasts, cooked, cut into bite-sized pieces

Recipe

• 1 in a 6-quart saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients (tomatoes, salsa, chicken broth, water, green onions).
• 2 over high heat, bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• 3 blend soup (i use a small hand immersion blender - this step is optional, but how i prepared the soup).
• 4 add barley, chicken breast and black beans. simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until barley is tender.
• 5 serve immediately. can season with salt & pepper, or top or with sour cream or cheddar cheese.