Barley, Lentil and Mushroom Soup

This is a hearty soup made with whole grains and mushrooms simmered in a beef broth. It goes great with a crusty bread and salad.

Original recipe makes 8 servings

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
3/4 cup pearl barley
3/4 cup dry brown lentils
1/3 cup dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed
2 quarts low-sodium beef broth
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
4 cups sliced button mushrooms
1 tablespoon dry sherry

PREP

20 mins
COOK

1 hr 10 mins
READY IN

1 hr 30 mins

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion; cook and stir until onions are limp, but not brown, about 5 minutes. Mix in the celery and carrot; cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the barley and lentils so they are coated with oil, continue to cook and stir until lightly toasted.
Pour in the beef broth and season with thyme, parsley, pepper and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Add the porcini mushrooms, cover and simmer for 25 minutes over low heat. Add the button mushroom, cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in sherry during the last 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.