Winter Hardy Spiced Lentil-Barley Soup

Recipe from SuperCook.com

Ingredients

1/2 lb Italian sausage

1 medium onions, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup pearl barley

8 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup minced parsley

1 lb chicken breasts

1 cup lentils

1 (10 ounce) cans kidney beans

1 (12 ounce) jars mild salsa

1 lb fresh spinach, washed well, roots and coarse leaves discarded (Add spinach last)

Directions

1. Remove sausage castings and crumble meat in a 5- to 6-quart pan over med-high heat; stir often until browned.

2. Remove meat from pan with slotted spoon; set aside.

3. Add onion, garlic, and barley to drippings.

4. Cook, stirring often, until onion is limp and barley toasted.

5. Add broth, parsley, chicken breast, and lentils.

6. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until breast is white in thickest part, about 30 minutes.

7. Remove breast, let cool, and discard skin and bones.

8. Shred meat and return to pan.

9. Drain beans; add salsa and sausage.

10. Heat to simmering.

11. Chop spinach and stir into soup.

Info from Real Simple article = Barley is another high-fiber cholesterol fighter. On weeknights use the pearl or quick-cooking variety. More time? Give hulled barley, with its extra layer of bran, a go. Try this: Add sautéed mushrooms and sherry vinegar to cooked barley.

  

Info from Real Simple article = Lentils: A protein powerhouse, these are flush with folate, a nutrient that may prevent certain birth defects. Try this: Toss cooked lentils with extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped celery, and fresh thyme. Serve over salad greens.

 Info from Real Simple article = Kidney Beans: A chili essential, these were found to be one of the most antioxidant-rich foods in a USDA study. Try this: Make a quick salad with kidney beans, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

 Info from Real Simple article = Spinach: You’ll get iron (for healthy hair), plus folate and at least a dozen flavonoids—compounds that are loaded with antioxidants. Try this: Blend a handful of spinach into your favorite fruit smoothie.

Happy Friday!!!!