'B' is for Barley

(source)

... as in barley chicken stew!

I absolutely L-O-V-E barley so using it as my "B" ingredient was a no-brainer! Whole grain barley (hulled barley, not pearl - and yes I know I used pearl) is packed with fiber, protein, and a whole slew of nutrition. Read about barley here, here, and here. This recipe uses a slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 32oz low-sodium chicken broth
• 8oz water
• 2 garlic gloves, minced
• 0.5 tbsp thyme
• 0.5 tbsp basil
• 2 bay leaves
• 1.5 lbs uncooked chicken breast, cubed
  
• 0.5c uncooked black-eyed peas, rinsed
• 0.5c uncooked barley, rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 large russet potatoes, cubed
  
• 2 carrots, cubed
• 8 tbsp plain greek yogurt (optional)
  
• salt and pepper to taste
  

1.) Combine chicken broth, water, garlic, herbs, and pepper in slow cooker. Add chicken, black-eyed peas, and barley.

2.) Then layer onions, potatoes, and carrots on top. Veggies should be covered with liquid in slow cooker, but if not, add more broth. Do not stir!

3.) Allow to simmer overnight (or any time you're home) for about 4 - 6 hours. Remove bay leaves and stir stew so ingredients are well mixed.
Optional: Add a tbsp of greek yogurt to each bowl before serving. ENJOY!