Instructions: Place barley, chicken stock, onion quarters, carrot thirds, celery slices, thyme, and bay leaf in a large soup pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour or until barley is tender. Add sliced carrots, celery, zucchini, and chopped onion and cook until tender. Add spinach a few minutes before serving.

NOTES : A hearty soup that improves as it ages. Make it in the morning or the night before so it will have time to thicken.

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