Busy in Brooklyn

Creamy Leek & Chicken Soup with Barley

4 chicken bottoms
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 large leeks, white and pale green parts only, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
5 sprigs thyme
2 dried bay leaves
1 cup barley, rinsed
9 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1/2 tsp umami seasoning (optional)

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a soup pot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear until browned on both sides, about 4 minutes per side, remove from the pot. Add the leeks and saute until wilted and starting to brown. Add the garlic and stir to incorporate and soften. Add the wine and use a spatula to scrape any bits from the bottom of the pan while the wine cooks down and the mixture is creamy. Return the chicken to the bot and add the thyme, bay leaves, barley, and stock. Season with umami seasoning, and salt and pepper, to taste.

Bring the soup up to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1 hour.