Southwestern Chicken Barley Tomato Soup

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

Directions

1. 1

   In a 6-quart saucepan, combine the first 5 ingredients (tomatoes, salsa, chicken broth, water, green onions).

2. 2

   Over high heat, bring to a boil; cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Blend soup (I use a small hand immersion blender - this step is optional, but how I prepared the soup).

4. 4

   Add barley, chicken breast and black beans. Simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until barley is tender.

5. 5

   Serve Immediately. Can season with salt & pepper, or top or with sour cream or cheddar cheese.