1. Heat
the olive oil in a sauce pan. Add the onion and sauté until
transparent.
Add the mushrooms and sauté until limp and the water evaporates.
2. In
a large pot, bring the beef broth and water to a boil. Add the mushroom
and
scallion mixture, carrot, celery, barley, parsley, sage, bay leaf, salt
and black
pepper. Return to a boil.
3. Lower
the flame and simmer for 45 minutes or until barley is tender.