Chicken Barley Stew

I made this yummy soup last night and I must share it with everyone. Trust me when I say the moment you enter your home at the end of your work day, your olfactories will be pleased with what you have simmering in the slow cooker.

Chicken Barley Stew

Ingredients
32 oz. low-fat, low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tbsp thyme
1/2 tbsp basil
1/2 tbsp cilantro
1/4 tbsp dill
2 bay leaves
1/2 tbsp fresh ground black pepper
12 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breast cubed (uncooked)
1/2 cup uncooked black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked through
1/2 cup barley1 medium sweet onion, cubed
20 oz. potatoes, peeled and cubed
10 oz. carrots (3 large), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch slices
8 tbsp low-fat sour cream (optional)

Instructions
Fill a slow cooker with broth, 8 oz. water, garlic, herbs and pepper. Add chicken, peas and barley, then layer onion, potatoes and carrots. Liquid should just cover vegetables. Do not stir. Allow to simmer overnight, at least 4 to 6 hours. Remove bay leaves and stir before serving. Spoon 1 cup into each bowl and top with 1 tbsp. sour cream, if desired.