Smoked Ham, Barley And Vegetable Soup

Total Time: 2 hrs Preparation Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 10 cups canned low-sodium low-fat chicken broth
• 3 lbs smoked ham hocks
• 3/4 lb russet potato, peeled and diced (about 2 large)
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 3/4 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
• 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces (optional)

Recipe

• 1 bring broth and ham hocks to a boil over medium high heat.
• 2 cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• 3 add the potatoes, tomatoes with juices,onions, carrots,celery, barley, and oregano.
• 4 bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium low,and simmer ,uncovered, until meat and barley are tender, about 1 hour.
• 5 using tongs, remove ham hocks from soup, cool and cut meat off bones and chop coarsely.
• 6 can be prepared two days ahead to this point. refrigerate uncovered until cold, then cover and refrigerate. bring soup to a simmer before continuing.
• 7 add green beans, if desired, and simmer until beans are tender, about 15 minutes.
• 8 season soup to taste with salt and pepper.