SHIITAKE, BEEF, AND BARLEY SOUP

Shiitake, Beef, and Barley Soup image

Yield Makes 6 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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3/4 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
1 1- to 1 1/4-pound crosscut beef shank
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 1/2 cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
1 1/2 cups chopped peeled parsnips
1 cup chopped celery
4 garlic cloves, minced
7 cups hot water
1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
6 ounces green beans, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

Place mushrooms in bowl; pour hot water over to cover. Let stand until mushrooms are soft, about 30 minutes. Drain. Cut off stems; discard. Slice mushroom caps; transfer to 6-quart slow cooker.
Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook 4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker. Add remaining oil to same skillet. Add leeks, parsnips, celery, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Stir in 7 cups hot water, tomatoes with juice, barley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover; cook on high until meat falls off bone and barley is tender, about 4 1/2 hours.
Remove meat from slow cooker; cool slightly. Discard bone and fat. Shred meat; return to slow cooker. Add green beans. Cover; cook until beans are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle soup into bowls and serve.