->Barley Mush Stew <-

Serves 4. 1 cup barley

1 lb crimini mushrooms

2/3 cup lentils

4 cups mushroom stock

2 large sprigs thyme

2 cups water

Set the barley in the mushroom stock and bring to a slow simmer.

Simmer about 1 hour, or until most of the water has been absorbed.

If the mushrooms are large, cut them into chunks about 1/2' on a

side and add. If small, simply stir them in at this point. Add the

lentils and the water and continue simmering until a similar point,

where most of the water has been absorbed. Add the thyme and keep

simmering until the stew is creamy (this should be no more than

5 minutes later

Note: You can also use fresh peas instead of lentils, and if so

omit the extra water and add the peas at the same time as the thyme.