Sausage Barley Soup

This is a nice soup recipe with a lot of texture and flavor. It is a welcome change for those weeks when there doesn't seem to be a lot of variety... and all 3 of my kids even loved it. This can also be cooked in a pan on the stove until the barley and carrot are tender, but I prefer the slow cooker method. The flavors seem to blend better.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 4 hr
• Total Time: 4 hr 15 mins
• Calories: 382 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (48 fluid ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• ¼ cup uncooked pearl barley

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, onion, and garlic until the sausage is evenly brown. Season with Italian seasoning. Remove from heat, and drain.

Step 2

In a slow cooker, mix the sausage mixture, chicken broth, carrot, spinach, and barley.

Step 3

Cover, and cook 4 hours on High or 6 to 8 hours on Low.