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As the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty soup simmering away in your kitchen. For many, soup transcends mere sustenance; it embodies warmth, companionship, and shared moments around the table. One of my absolute favorite recipes for chilly days is Cozy Slow Cooker Turkey Barley Soup. This dish, with its tender ground turkey, wholesome barley, and a medley of vegetables, truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Slow Cooker Turkey Barley Soup

Embrace the cozy vibes of autumn with this delicious Slow Cooker Turkey Barley Soup. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty dish combines lean ground turkey, nutty pearl barley, and a colorful mix of vegetables, all simmering to perfection in your slow cooker. Enjoy the simple preparation that lets you set it and forget it. Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Bring warmth and comfort to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground turkey

1 cup pearl barley

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Turkey: In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, transfer it to the slow cooker.

    Prep the Vegetables: In the same frying pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery for about 5-7 minutes until softened. This step adds depth of flavor. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

      Combine Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the pearl barley, diced tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together.

          Final Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaf.

            Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 7 hours (slow cooker) | 6 servings