½poundmushroomssliced (use a variety such as cremini, oyster, baby bella)
1medium yellow onionfinely chopped
2medium carrotsfinely diced
2ribsceleryfinely diced
4clovesgarlicchopped
7 cups wateror low sodium vegetable stock if you don't have bouillon concentrate
5teaspoonsBetter than Bouillon Vegetarian Beef Concentrate
1cupdried pearl or pot barleypearl cooks faster
1tablespoonvegan worcestershire saucesee note for substitution
1½teaspoonsdried thyme leaves
1teaspoononion powder
½teaspoonground cumin
2bay leaves
Instructions
Heat avocado oil in a soup pot over medium high heat. Add mushrooms and let cook for 5 minutes, stirring once.
Add carrot, onion and celery, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are brown and carrot is beginning to soften, 5-7 minutes.
Add garlic, stirring constantly for one minute.
Next, add water, bouillon concentrate, barley, worcestershire sauce, thyme, onion powder, cumin and bay leaves and bring to a boil for five minutes on high heat.
Reduce heat to medium and partially cover with a lid, keeping at a bubbling simmer, until barley is tender not mushy, about 30 minutes if using pearl barley and up to 50 minutes if using pot barley.
Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Notes
Soup will keep, covered, in fridge for four days or in the freezer for a month. Let thaw overnight in fridge and then bring up to a full steaming simmer on medium heat before serving.