Flavorful Mexican Chicken & Barley Soup

This soup is so flavorful the first bite made my husband moan. It is chocked full of veggies with every bite. My kids eat every last drop, and often ask for more. Each taste is full of flavor, no one would ever guess it is so healthy for you. It is a great way to use up those garden vegetables in the summer, or make a cold winter day cozy and delectable. For those who are more timid, just scale back on the spices. We eat it with crusty bread sliced with butter, and some freshly sliced mango on the side to add a hint of sweet to the meal. This soup is easy to prepare, and freezes well for quick dinners later. Enjoy!

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 18-20

Ingredients

• 20  cups water
• 5  tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 8 -10  garlic cloves, minced well
• 2  Spanish onions, diced
• 1  green pepper, diced small
• 4  carrots, pared and sliced thick
• 3  medium zucchini, diced into large cubes
• 2 (15 ounce) cans corn
• 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 1⁄2 cups quick-cooking barley (can use brown rice instead)
• 2 -3  tablespoons chili powder
• 2 -3  tablespoons cumin
• 1 -3  teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1⁄2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (save some cilantro leaves for garnish)
•  reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
•  sour cream (garnish)

Directions

1. In large Dutch oven, boil water, boullion, garlic and onion.
2. Add zucchini and carrots, boiling until soft.
3. Add corn, kidney beans, and black beans. Bring to a boil.
4. Add chili powder and cumin to taste. Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add cilantro to soup and stir.
6. Finally, add barley. Simmer soup for 15 minutes, or until barley is soft.
7. Taste soup -- adjust seasonings as you wish -- adding more chili powder, cayenne, or cumin if you like it more spicy. Can add water if you desire less zing.
8. Serve in soup bowls, adding fresh cilantro to the top, with shredded cheddar cheese, OR a dollop of sour cream in the center.