J.C. Schneider's recipe for Hearty Healthy Kale Soup was a finalist in the Soups, Salads & Sides category of the Kalamazoo Gazette's

competition.

HEARTY HEALTHY KALE SOUP

1/3 cup pearl barley

2 cups chopped onion

1 cup chopped carrot

3-4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 tablespoons olive oil

6 cups chicken broth*

2 teaspoons dry crushed thyme leaves

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 15-ounce can garbanzo (or cannellini) beans, drained

5-6 kale leaves, stems removed and

cut into approximately ½-inch pieces

Boil barley until soft in a large saucepan. Sauté onion, carrot and garlic in olive oil until the onion is translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Add cooked barley and remaining ingredients in order listed. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Makes 6-8 servings.

*You may use 6 cups of water and 6 bouillon cubes for a spicier chicken flavor than broth.

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