BEEF AND MUSHROOM SOUP WITH ORZO

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large heavy saucepan.
• Brown the beef; add the onion and brown lightly on the cut side.
• Add the bay leaf and water.
• Heat over medium heat until almost boiling.
• For a clearer broth, do not let boil.
• Cook, uncovered, at a gentle simmer for 2 hours.
• Strain broth through a sieve lined with dampened paper towels.
• Chill overnight and finish soup next day or continue with recipe.
• Pull meat into strings; set aside.
• Heat the remaining oil in saucepan.
• Add chopped onion, celery and carrot.
• Sauté until golden, about 10 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, sauté 1 minute more.
• Add the mushrooms, sauté until golden, about 10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the shredded meat and broth to the sautéed vegetables; stir in parsley, frozen vegetables and orzo.
• Heat to boiling.
• Simmer, uncovered, until orzo is tender, about 15 minutes.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.