Creamy Beef, Barley and Mushroom Soup with Frizzled Onions Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package (8 oz) sliced mushrooms
• 1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 medium carrot, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 5 cups Progresso™ beef flavored broth (from two 32-oz cartons)
• 2/3 cup uncooked pearl barley
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, cut in half, thinly sliced (3 cups)