Soupe Jo (Persian Chicken Barley Soup)

A warm and comforting Persian chicken barley soup made with tender shredded chicken, barley, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. The perfect cozy meal for chilly days or whenever you're feeling under the weather.

Hearty soupe jo served in a festive pumpkin-shaped ceramic bakeware, perfect for a cozy autumn meal.

With the weather getting colder, there's nothing I love more than a warm bowl of homemade Soupe Jo. This traditional Persian chicken barley soup is packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty barley, all simmered together in a rich, comforting broth.

Growing up, we always considered this our version of Persian penicillin soup! It's the kind of soup you make when someone isn't feeling well or when you just need something warm and nourishing. There are so many different versions of Soupe Jo, but this is how I grew up eating it in my household. It's simple, comforting, and one of those recipes that always reminds me of home.

Soupe Jo Ingredients

For the Soup

• 3/4 cup barley

• 2 carrots

• 1 yellow onion

• 1 Idaho potato

• 2 cubes of butter

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• Chicken stock (32 oz container)

• Juice of 2 fresh lemons

• Oil, for sautéing

For the Chicken

• 1 chicken breast

• 1/2 onion, chopped

• 2 cups water

• 1 tablespoon turmeric

• 1 tablespoon salt

• Black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Green onions, chopped

Soupe Jo Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables.

   Wash and peel the carrots, onion, and potato. Using a grater, finely grate all the vegetables into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and creates a soft, hearty texture throughout the soup.

   
   

2. Sauté the vegetables.

   Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the grated carrots, onion, and potato.

   Season with turmeric and salt, stirring everything together. Allow the vegetables to sauté until they begin to soften and release their flavors.

   
   

3. Add the tomato paste.

   Add the tomato paste to the sautéed vegetables and stir until everything is evenly coated.

   Allow the tomato paste to cook with the vegetables, helping deepen the flavor and giving the soup its warm, rich color.

   
   

4. Cook the chicken.

   In a separate pot, add the chicken breast, chopped onion, 2 cups of water, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.

   Cook over medium heat for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.

   
   

5. Shred the chicken.

   Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and allow it to cool slightly.

   Using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken directly into the pot with the sautéed vegetables.

   
   

6. Add the chicken stock and barley.

   Pour the entire container of chicken stock into the pot and stir everything together.

   Add the barley and allow the soup to gently simmer until the barley becomes soft and tender. Stir occasionally as the soup thickens and all the flavors come together.

   
   

7. Add the fresh lemon juice.

   Once the barley is tender and the soup has reached your desired consistency, squeeze in the juice of 2 fresh lemons. Stir everything together to give the soup a fresh, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the broth.

   
   

8. Serve & Enjoy.

   Ladle the warm Soupe Jo into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and green onions.

   
   

   Serve hot and enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade Persian chicken barley soup, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you're feeling under the weather!

A beautifully set table featuring a variety of plated dishes, including a hearty soupe jo dish in a white pumpkin pot, a colorful steak corn salad and red bell pepper dish all accompanied by autumnal decorations.

Final Thoughts

Soupe Jo is one of those traditional Persian recipes that always brings a sense of comfort. With tender shredded chicken, soft barley, fresh vegetables, and a hint of lemon, every spoonful is warm, hearty, and full of flavor.

I especially love making this soup during the colder months or whenever someone in the family isn't feeling their best. There's a reason we call it our Persian penicillin soup! It's simple, nourishing, and made with everyday ingredients that come together beautifully.

Whether you're making it for your family or just craving a cozy homemade meal, Soupe Jo is the perfect soup to warm you up from the inside out.