12/11/2025
Soupe Jo (Persian Chicken and Barley Soup)
A traditional Persian chicken soup made with pearl barley, root vegetables, and flavored with earthy, peppery, and citrusy notes. Nourishing and creamy, this soup is perfect any time you need a little extra comfort.
Ingredients
Pearled barley, rinsed
Extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
White or yellow onion or medium leek, finely diced
Garlic cloves, crushed or minced
Celery stalks, finely diced
Large carrot, grated
Bay leaves
Chicken stock
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Juice of one lemon, plus more to taste
Half and half, Greek yogurt, or whole milk
Fresh cilantro or parsley, leaves and tender stems finely chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Instructions
Soak the barley in cold water for one hour if you’d like it to be extra fluffy.
Place a large pot on medium-high heat. Add olive oil, followed by the onion, and cook until it turns golden.
Stir in garlic, celery, and half of the grated carrot. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain the pearled barley and add it to the pan. Stir until fully incorporated.
Add bay leaves and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer.
Add whole chicken breasts and place a lid on the pan. Poach until the juices run clear in the thickest part of the breast. Remove the chicken and set aside to cool.
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup. Stir and cover with the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for about thirty minutes until the barley is tender. Check and stir occasionally.
Use two forks to shred the chicken and set it aside.
Partially blend the soup using an immersion blender on one side of the pot. If using a standard blender, blend a few cups and mix it back in.
Stir in half and half, shredded chicken, the remaining grated carrot, and cilantro (saving a little for garnish). Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice to taste. Simmer for a few minutes to warm the shredded chicken through.
Ladle into bowls and drizzle with olive oil and a little more half and half or a dollop of yogurt. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.