Mushroom-Barley Soup

1/2 c Uncooked barley

6 1/2 c Water

1 T Margarine

1 Medium onion, chopped

2 Garlic cloves, mince

1 lb Mushrooms, sliced

1/2 t Salt

3 T Soy sauce

3 T Dry sherry

Black pepper to taste 1) Place the barley and 1 1/2 cups of the water in a large saucepan or a

Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer until the barley is tender (20 to 30 minutes). 2) Meanwhile, melt the margarine in a skillet. Add the onions and saute`

for about 5 minutes over medium heat. Add garlic, mushrooms, and salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is very tender - about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and sherry. 3) Add the saute` with all its liquid to the cooked barley, along with the

remaining 5 cups of water. Grind in a generous amount of black pepper, and simmer, partially covered, another 20 minutes over very low heat. Taste to correct seasonings, and serve.