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Barley Chupe with Chicken, Queso and Avocado

South American chupes are known for their thick and hearty consistency, thought of more as stews rather than soups. The Mexican cheese in this dish, queso fresco, literally translates to “fresh cheese”. It has a crumbly texture and traditionally is served over beans, rice dishes, quesadillas and soups. Substitute with a mild feta if you're unable to find it in your local grocery or specialty store.
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 min

Ingredients

2.2 lb skinless chicken legs and back
8 cups water
¾ cups barley, unhulled
1 tsp cumin, ground
½ tsp paprika, ground
¼ tsp hot red chili pepper flakes
2 bay leaves
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup red onion(s), diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb red potatoes, unpeeled, chopped
1 cup lima beans, frozen
14 oz canned diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 tsp oregano, dried
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 cup queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese)
2 avocado
12 sprigs parsley

Food Safety

Before you start, wash all surfaces and your hands with soap and warm water, and remember to wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards after they touch raw meat or eggs. Avoid cross-contamination by using a different cutting board for your meat and other ingredients. Make sure you’re cooking to safe temperatures and chilling any leftovers within two hours. For more food safety tips, visit our Food Safety at Home Section.

Steps

  1. Combine the chicken legs and back with water, barley, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes and bay leaf in a soup pot. Cover and simmer for one hour. Remove chicken from pot to cool and cover soup to keep hot. Remove meat from bones and shred using hands or kitchen scissors. Add back to pot.

  2. Heat oil over medium high heat in a non-stick skillet. Sauté onion and garlic. Add the red potatoes and cook over moderately high heat until they begin to brown.

  3. Add sautéed vegetables and the frozen lima beans to the pot. Simmer until the barley and potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

  4. Add the canned tomatoes with liquid. Break tomatoes into smaller pieces using the back of a spoon. Season with dry oregano, salt and pepper and simmer until piping hot, about 2 minutes. Discard the bay leaves.

  5. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls, top with the queso/cheese and diced avocado. Add a fresh sprig of parsley (optional garnish).

Nutrition Info

Per 400 g serving Amount
Calories310
Protein23 g
Fat14 g
Saturated Fat4 g
Carbohydrate25 g
Fibre6 g
Sugar3 g
Cholesterol80 mg
Sodium580 mg
Per 400 g serving % Daily Value
Potassium20
Calcium10
Iron25
Vitamin A10
Vitamin C40
Vitamin B1221
Folate26
Zinc72