Prep Time: 20 Minutes     Cook Time: 40 Minutes     Ready in: 1 Hour total

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1/2 jar Shiitake-Ya™ Gourmet Mushroom Blend
1/2 pound cubed beef stew meat
1-1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 tablespoon margarine
1 large carrots, diced
1-1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
3 cups water
1-1/2 cubes beef bouillon cube
2 tablespoons pearl barley
2 tablespoons sour cream

Procedure:

1. Soak Shiitake-Ya™ Gourmet Mushroom Blend in hot water and wait a few minutes to rehydrate or until soft, and drain off the water.

2. Brown small cubes of stew meat in vegetable oil over medium heat until juices become a rich brown color. Add 2 cups water, and simmer meat while preparing the vegetables.

3. In a large soup pot, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Sauté carrots, onion, garlic, celery, and mushrooms.

4. Add meat, 6 cups water, bouillon cubes, and barley to vegetable mixture. Cook until barley is soft. Adjust liquid and seasoning as desired. Remove from heat, and stir in sour cream. Serve immediately.