Christmas is the feast commemorating the birth of Christ. It is fixed in the liturgical year as December 25th and is preceded by four week of fasting called Advent.Barley Soup
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chopped celery with the leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 1 cup cleaned and chopped leaks
- ¼ cup pearl barley
- 2 cups cold water
- 3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp. chopped fresh coriander
- ½ tsp. ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a 6-quart pot, place the chicken stock, onion, celery, garlic, and leeks. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Combine the barley and the water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Drain the barley and add to the pot of vegetables and stock. Simmer, covered, another 20 minutes. Add the parsley, coriander, and cumin, and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or longer for a thicker soup. Salt and pepper to taste.
