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Lemony Barley Soup with Chicken Meatballs, Dill, and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 90 reviews

This Lemony Barley Soup with Chicken Meatballs & Dill is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious meal. The combination of tender chicken meatballs, nutty pearl barley, fresh dill, and bright lemon juice creates a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Packed with wholesome ingredients and easy to make on the stovetop, this soup is ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner that is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 6 oz (170g, about 1 cup) pearl barley
  • 6 cups (1.4L) low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock
  • 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 5.5oz bag fresh baby spinach
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Chicken Meatballs

  • 1 lb (454g) ground chicken
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if desired)
  • 3 Tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest (from ½ medium lemon)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled (plus more for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the veggies: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and carrot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Then add the finely chopped garlic, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir in 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill to release its aroma and flavor.
  2. Add barley: Stir in 6 ounces of pearl barley and gently toast it for about 1 minute to enhance its nuttiness. Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable stock) and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. This will help brighten the soup with a fresh citrus note.
  3. Simmer: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes so the barley can cook and absorb the flavors.
  4. Make the meatballs: While the soup simmers, combine all the meatball ingredients—ground chicken, breadcrumbs, fresh dill, olive oil, egg, lemon zest, kosher salt, dried oregano, garlic powder, black pepper, and crumbled feta cheese—in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to mix thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Cook the meatballs: Remove the lid from the soup and, using a small spoon, drop heaping teaspoon-sized portions of the meatball mixture directly into the simmering soup. This should yield about 45 small rustic meatballs. Replace the lid and cook for 5 minutes to allow the meatballs to cook through.
  6. Add spinach: Remove the lid again and add the fresh baby spinach to the pot. Stir well to combine, then cover once more and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the meatballs are fully cooked.
  7. Finish, then serve: Stir the soup well and taste to adjust seasoning as needed. Squeeze in juice from the remaining half lemon and add about ½ teaspoon more kosher salt if desired. Divide the soup evenly into bowls, garnish with extra fresh dill, cracked black pepper, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve hot and enjoy this fresh, hearty, and lemony soup.

Notes

  • You can use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version but keep in mind the meatballs contain chicken.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you require a gluten-free meal.
  • Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference for acidity.
  • The meatballs are rustic and freeform — no need to roll them perfectly.
  • If you prefer a thicker soup, cook longer after adding barley to reduce liquid.
  • Fresh dill is key to the bright flavor; avoid dried if possible in the garnish.

Keywords: lemony barley soup, chicken meatballs soup, dill soup, healthy chicken soup, Mediterranean soup, barley chicken soup, comforting soup recipe

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/lemony-barley-soup-with-chicken-meatballs-dill-and-spinach-recipe/