Mushroom Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — or cooking oil of choice
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium celery stalks, sliced thin
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced thin
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup potatoes, cut into pieces
• 1/2 cup quick cooking barley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground thyme
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Method

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Heat oil in large soup pot over high heat.
3. Sauté onion, celery, carrots, and mushrooms until golden, about 4 minutes.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients except for the parsley and bring to a boil.
5. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until the barley is tender, about 20 minutes.
6. Sprinkle parsley on top of soup and serve hot.