Using presliced fresh mushrooms and frozen chopped onions will hurry things along in this recipe.

　　

Ingredients

serves 8, scant 1 cup per serving

　　3/8 cup very hot tap water

　　1/2 ounce dried porcini mushrooms

　　1 teaspoon canola or corn oil

　　1/2 cup chopped onion

　　1 large carrot, finely chopped

　　8 to 10 ounces presliced fresh button mushrooms

　　3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled

　　1 1/2 cups water

　　2 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth

　　1/2 cup uncooked quick-cooking barley

　　1/4 teaspoon pepper

　　1/4 teaspoon salt

　　3/8 cup fat-free milk

　　1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

　　1 tablespoon dry sherry (optional)

　　

Step 1

In a small shallow bowl, stir together the hot water and dried mushrooms. Set aside.

　　

Step 2

In a stockpot or large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, swirling to coat the bottom. Cook the onion and carrot for about 5 minutes, or until beginning to soften, stirring occasionally.

　　

Step 3

Stir in the fresh mushrooms and thyme. Cook for 5 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Increase the heat to high. Stir in the water, broth, barley, and pepper. Bring to a boil, about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes, or until the barley is tender.

　　

Step 5

Just before the barley is ready, put the dried mushrooms in a sieve. Rinse thoroughly and drain. Chop the mushrooms. Stir the mushrooms and salt into the pot.

　　

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until the flour is dissolved. Stir into the soup. Increase the heat to medium high and bring to a boil, 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and simmer for at least 2 minutes. Stir in the sherry.

　　

nutrition information

Step 7

(Per Serving)

　　

Step 8

Calories: 66

　　

Step 9

Total Fat: 1.0g

　　

Step 10

Saturated: 0.0g

　　

Step 11

Trans: 0.0g

　　

Step 12

Polyunsaturated: 0.5g

　　

Step 13

Monounsaturated: 0.5g

　　

Step 14

Cholesterol: 0mg

　　

Step 15

Sodium: 104mg

　　

Step 16

Carbohydrates: 12g

　　

Step 17

Fiber: 2g

　　

Step 18

Sugars: 2g

　　

Step 19

Protein: 4g

　　

Step 20

Dietary Exchanges

　　

Step 21

1/2 Starch

　　

Step 22

1 Vegetable

　　American Heart Association Quick & Easy Meals