Barley-Vegetable Chicken Soup

In a 4-quart Dutch oven bring broth to boiling. Stir in barley. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.

Stir in chicken, celery, carrots, onion, dried parsley (if using), sage, and black pepper. Return to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, about 15 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are tender. Stir in sweet pepper and fresh parsley (if using). Cool.

Ladle soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with fresh sage leaves.