Super Easy Mushroom Barley Soup

CarenRox's Note:

I did my best to duplicate Tabatchnick Barley Mushroom Soup, and I'm very satisfied with my results!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 2 mins
• Prep Time: 2 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• vegetable oil cooking spray
• 14 ½ ounces mirepoix (diced celery, carrots and onion)
• 10 ounces sliced mushrooms (Cremini)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 (9 5⁄8; g) packets condensed vegetable broth
• 4 cups water
• ½ cup barley (dried)
• salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Heat a large saucepan and spray evenly with cooking spray.
2. Add mirepoix, reduce heat to medium, and saute until onion is translucent.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and 1/4 tsp salt.
4. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are softened.
5. Combine vegetable broth concentrate packets with 4 cups water and add to pan.
6. Rinse barley and add to pan.
7. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer, covered, until barley is softened, approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste.