Week 1 - Beefy Mushroom Barley Soup

For my very first new recipe of 2011, I am trying a Beefy Mushroom Barley Soup.  It's simmering as I type this message; the barley is still a bit firm.  Here are the ingredients:

• 1 pound cubed beef stew meat
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 6 cups water
• 3 cubes beef bouillon cube
• Salt / Pepper to taste
• 3-4 dashes chipotle tabasco sauce
• 2 pinches of thyme
• 1/4 cup pearl barley
• 1/4 cup sour cream

I took the base recipe from Allrecipes.com which is my favorite culinary website of all time.  The reviews are always extremely helpful though at times it seems that recipes become undeservingly popular on this site.  Once a substantial number of people have reviewed the recipe, it seems that newcomers judge the recipe by the number of reviews alone.  Many just aren't that impressive despite having several 5 star ratings.  

I added in a handful of my own ingredients to the base recipe.  As one would probably expect, chipotle tabasco sauce was not called for in the original recipe.  That's always my secret weapon when I begin to fear that I have a dud in the pot.  I tried to resist adding it; however, the temptation/fear was just too strong with this one. 

The first sip has been taken.  I think I was imagining this would be more of a barley soup.  The reviews warned against using too much barley.   Instead, it really has an earthy flavor from all of the mushrooms...too many mushrooms....  The recipe needs more barley than what was added and half as many mushrooms.  The barley is barely noticeable which is somewhat of a disappointment given that I was drawn to this recipe because of the barley. 

To make again or not?  This recipe could go either way.  It certainly is tasty but it is difficult to imagine myself ever craving it again like I do with many of my other soups.  The viability of the leftovers will go a long way in determining the fate of this recipe.    To be determined.  5 stars out of 10 stars

*1 night later*

I can't eat more than one bowl at a time.  It's difficult to even look forward to eating this meal.  Alas, I don't think I will be making this recipe again.