Barley Chicken and Vegetable Soup -

Ingredients

• (1 Tbsp.) olive or canola oil
• (1/2 cup) onion, chopped
• (1 cup) celery, chopped
• (2 cups) mushrooms, sliced
• (1 Tbsp.) minced garlic
• (1 cup) carrots, chopped
• (1 1/2 cups) skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
• (5 cups) low-sodium chicken broth
• (2/3 cup) pearl barley
• (1/4 cup) fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 Tbsp. dried)
• (1/3 cup) slivered almonds, toasted
• Pepper to taste
• Salt to taste (optional)