Barley and Porcini Mushroom Soup
2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 2 cups lukewarm water
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup finely minced yellow onion
1/2 cup finely minced celery
1/2 cup finely minced carrot
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 pound speck or prosciutto cut in 1 thick slice and diced
1-1/2 cups (about 3/4 pound) pearly barley, picked over
2 to 2/1/2 quarts water
Salt and freshly gound black pepper to taste
1/3 to 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Drain the porcini mushrooms and mince: set aside
Reserve 1 cup of the soaking water
Heat the butter and oil in aa large pot over medium heat
Add the onion, celery, carrot, and parsley and cook, stirring, until vegetables are soft, 6 to 7 minutes
Add the speck or prosciutto and the porcini mushrooms, and stir for a few minutes
Add the reserved mushroom water and bring to a boil
Season with salt and pepper, reduce the heat to low, and partially cover the pot
Simmer, stirring occasionally, until barley is tender, about 1 hour
Taste, adjust the seasoning, and turn the heat off under the pot
Let the soup rest 20 to 30 minutes
Ladle the soup into individual bowls, sprinkle with grated cheese and serve
When preparing ahead, say several hours, please remember that barley absorbs liquid and becomes so thick you could almost eat it with a fork
As you reheat the soup, simply add more water or broth to give it the consistency you like
Recipe submitted by Linda H on 8/15/98
Back to
Soup
List
Back to
Main
List
