Mushroom Barley Soup

A few years ago, a friend at work shared the recipe for this wonderful soup. With beef, barley and vegetables, it's hearty enough to be a meal. A big steaming bowl with a slice of crusty bread is so satisfying on a cold day.

Mushroom Barley Soup

Average Rating: 4.586206

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. Cook: 1-3/4 hours
YIELD: about 11 servings (2-3/4 quarts).

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 cups finely chopped onions
  • 1 cup diced carrots
  • 1/2 cup sliced celery
  • 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup medium pearl barley
  • 1 teaspoon salt, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • 1. In a Dutch oven or stockpot, cook meat in oil over medium heat until no longer pink. Remove meat with a slotted spoon; keep warm and set aside.
  • 2. Saute onions, carrots and celery in drippings over medium heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms, garlic and thyme; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in broths, water, barley, salt if desired and pepper.
  • 3. Return meat to pan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until barley and meat are tender. Add parsley.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 220 calories, 13g fat (0 saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 14g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
2 meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.