New England Soup Factory's Sweet Potato Chicken Barley Soup

Another unique but wonderfully filling soup from the New England Soup Factory - very thick and hearty! (Prep time does not include poaching chicken; this would be a great way to use leftovers!) Found online.

• Ready In: 1 hr 40 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  large Spanish onion, peeled and diced
• 3  cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄2 cup celery, diced
• 3  cups carrots, sliced
• 2  parsnips, grated
• 4  large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 1⁄4 cups pearl barley
• 2 1⁄2-3  quarts  chicken stock
• 3  cups chicken, poached and diced
• 1⁄4 cup  freshly chopped dill
•  kosher salt
•  fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy stock pot.
2. Saute garlic, onions, celery and carrot for 8 minutes.
3. Add parsnips, barley, chicken and chicken stock.
4. Bring to a boil; simmer on medium-high heat for 30 minutes.
5. Add the sweet potatoes and cook an additional 30 minutes.
6. Add dill and season.