Hearty Mushroom Barely Soup

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
½ Medium Onion, slivered (about 1¼ cups)
½ Cup Dry Pearl Barley,
1 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
8 Ounces Sliced Button or Cremini Mushrooms
4 Cups (1 quart) Beef or Mushroom Broth
1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
1 Teaspoon Balsamic Vinegar
1 Bay Leaf
¼ -1 Teaspoon Salt to Taste
Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste

You can also make in the crockpot 6-8 hours on low.

Heat the oil in a stock pot over medium heat. Add the onions, and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are translucent. Reduce the heat just a touch, add the barley, garlic, and thyme, and sauté for another 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, followed by the broth, tomato paste, vinegar, bay leaf, and I would start with ¼ teaspoon of salt. Bring the soup to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow the soup to simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the barley is nice and tender. Season to taste with additional salt and black pepper to taste.

Yields 2 hearty, meal-sized servings


Serving Size: 2 servings