MUSHROOM-BARLEY SOUP

Mushroom-Barley Soup image

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

14 cups chicken stock or canned low-salt chicken broth
1 1/4 cups pearl barley
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups chopped onions
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped stemmed dried shiitake mushrooms (about 1/4 ounce)
2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
1 carrot, peeled, thinly sliced
1 parsnip, peeled, thinly sliced

Steps:

Combine stock and barley in large pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until barley is tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add onions; sauté 5 minutes. Add fresh mushrooms; sauté until brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in garlic. Add sautéed mushroom mixture, dried mushrooms, celery, carrot and parsnip to soup. Simmer until dried mushrooms and parsnip are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Chill uncovered until cold, then cover and chill. Bring to simmer before serving.)