This hearty mushroom barley soup is easy to prepare, kid-friendly, and perfect for a cool fall or winter day. Giora shimoni likes to serve it for sukkot or simchat torah dinners as "A nice change from chicken soup. " (and since barley is one of the seven species of israel, it's especially fitting for harvest holiday menus) prepared broth or stock makes a great flavor-boosting preparation shortcut; use vegetable broth to keep the soup pareve and vegetarian, or opt for chicken or beef stock if you're preparing a meat meal. Updated by miri rotkovitz.
