Mushroom Barley Soup - Fourth Trimester

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup barley
• 6.5 cups water, stock, or bone broth
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp sherry
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup cooked cubed chicken ((optional))