Reviewed: Jan. 16, 2010

I also add cubed potato, it makes it more starchy. For extra flavor, I add one envelope of Lipton Onion soup and 3 dry bay leaves during cooking. I also add one teaspoon sour cream into my soup bowl. And I use baby bella mushrooms.

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Reviewer:

rg48772

Cooking Level: Professional

Reviewed: Jan. 14, 2010

This is a very tasty and easy soup to make. I washed but didn't cook the barley in advance and added 2 cloves of chopped garlic to the other vegetables. Note - the day after the soup really thickens - as the barley soaks up a lot of the fluids. Just add boiling water, salt and pepper when re-heating and the soup will be just as good and last a little longer!

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Reviewer:

d gidron

Reviewed: Dec. 6, 2009

I used Pacific Foods Mushroom Broth for a vegetarian version, vegetable broth works, too. Add "meaty" flavor with 1 tsp worcestershire sauce. I used small can of tomato sauce instead of past - worked fine. This is a thick and delicious soup.

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Reviewer:

Reviewed: Nov. 25, 2009

Like others, I made the following changes: 1) added 2 bay leaves and 3 cloves garlic, 2) cooked veggies and barley in the same pot at the same time 3) increased beef broth to 8 C and added 2 C water 4) doubled celery and carrots. The result was a warm filling soup that was rather bland. It needs something else - maybe a can of tomatoes, or some spices, or some sherry. I am going to play around with the leftovers and see what I can come up with.

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Reviewer:

JUMAHA

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Home Town: Fridley, Minnesota, USA

Living In: Maple Grove, Minnesota, USA

Reviewed: Nov. 16, 2009

The flavors were solidly good, but nothing that would blow your mind...but the dish was incredibly easy for the above average results.

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Reviewer:

Michelle

Reviewed: Nov. 11, 2009

We enjoyed this recipe, but like other reviewers I changed a few things. I doubled (at least) the carrots and celery. Then I added 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of poultry seasoning. I did not precook the barley, but cooked it in the same pot and ended up using about 8 cups of chicken stock during the hour I simmered it. I will definitely make it again soon.

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Reviewer:

Natasha

Reviewed: Nov. 2, 2009

Nice, nice recipe. Using a previous reviewer's suggestion I didn't precook the barley but cooked it in the broth instead. I doubled the carrot, used 1# sliced criminis, used 6 cups of broth (half beef/half chicken), then added my 1 cup of barley. I let the whole thing simmer for 45-50 minutes, adding 1 cup more of water along the way- but it could have used a bit more since the barley soaked up a lot. The final broth flavor could have used more of a boost, so next time I'll add a couple teaspoons of the old standby - poultry seasoning. Finally, I placed some thinly sliced baby spinach in the bottom of the bowl before ladling in the soup. Gave it another layer of veggies. Very nice overall.

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Reviewer:

BIANKAT

Cooking Level: Expert

Home Town: Redondo Beach, California, USA

Living In: Seattle, Washington, USA

Reviewed: Nov. 1, 2009

It was OK. I expected a bit more. I made some modifications such as more spices (garlic, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley) as per others' suggestions. But it just didn't have the "heartiness" that I was looking for.

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Reviewer:

BABYRUSSIANQT

Reviewed: Oct. 19, 2009

Sometimes simple is best, and this recipe is proof of that. I halved the recipe, following the ingredient measurements by the T, and it came out absolutely delicious. I like the fact that it has beef flavour without actual beef, and that it is so quick to make. Really comforting and satisfying. I can have this as a meal, and I'm full... without the extra 10 lbs that normal comfort food would bring. Why haven't I discovered this recipe before?!

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Reviewer:

kate

Cooking Level: Intermediate

Reviewed: Oct. 14, 2009

This soup was pretty darn good. I made it how one of the reviewers suggested; simmering the barley in more broth, and adding more later when all the veggies were in. I added some zuchinni and, though it was squishy and overcooked, it was still delightful. I'll be making this again, but I think I'll use chicken stock instead of beef-- it was a bit too beefy for me

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