onion - 3 cups (diced, medium size)
butter - 4 oz (stick)
flour - 3 oz
milk - 3 cups
garlic - 2 tablespoons (chopped)
thyme - 2 tablespoons (fresh, can substitute with 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
potatoes - 2 (big baking, chopped in medium size dice)
celery - 3 stalks (chopped)
carrots - 4-5 (cut in wheels or slices)
cayenne pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
cumin - 2 teaspoons
chicken stock - 8 cups
cheddar cheese - 5 oz (grated)
Gruyère cheese - 1.5-2 oz (can substitute with mozzarella or more cheddar)
ham - 3/4 pound (diced, cooked)
heavy whipping cream - 1 cup
barley - watch the video to see (optional for extra texture, cooked in chicken or vegetable stock)
corn starch - watch the video to see (diluted in water, for thickening if needed)