Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon (optional)