Mushroom-barley soup

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½cupUncooked barley
cupWater
1tablespoonMargarine
1Medium onion, chopped
2Garlic cloves, mince
1poundsMushrooms, sliced
½teaspoonSalt
3tablespoonsSoy sauce
3tablespoonsDry sherry
Black pepper to taste

Directions

1) Place the barley and 1½ cups of the water in a large saucepan or a Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the barley is tender (20 to 30 minutes). 2) Meanwhile, melt the margarine in a skillet. Add the onions and saute' for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, and salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is very tender - about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and sherry. 3) Add the saute' with all its liquid to the cooked barley, along with the remaining 5 cups of water. Grind in a generous amount of black pepper, and simmer, partially covered, another 20 minutes over very low heat. Taste to correct seasonings, and serve.