Pumpkin, Porcini Mushroom And Barley Soup

• 300 grams pearled spelt or pearl barley
• 2 carrots
• 1 white celery stalk
• 1 small red onion
• 1 leek
• 30 grams of dried porcini mushrooms
• Approximately 900ml of vegetable broth (carrot, celery, onion)
• 150 grams of bacon smoked in cubes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 5 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Salt and Pepper To Taste

1. Soften whole dried mushrooms in hot water for at least 20 minutes before adding to the soup.rn(You can use the flavorful soaking liquid as part of the recipe's cooking liquid)rnIn a large saucepan put the olive oil and fry the bacon.rnAdd the butter, the finely chopped red onion and leek, and let soften over a low flame, stirring until lightly browned.rnAdd finely chopped carrots and celery, cubed squash and porcini mushrooms.rnAdd two ladles of broth and simmer for about 15 minutes.rnFinally add the barley, the tomato paste and the remaining vegetable broth, season with salt and cook for about 20-25 minutes.
2. I chose a quick-cooking barley, ready in 10 minutes, but for my personal taste, in soups I prefer to let it cook for 15 minutes longer, because I like the more fleshy grains.

pearl barley, carrots, white celery, red onion, leek, porcini mushrooms, vegetable broth, bacon, tomato paste, olive oil, butter, salt

Taken from food52.com/recipes/74752-pumpkin-porcini-mushroom-and-barley-soup (may not work)