Here is a good barley soup recipe. Its quite decadent, flavor wise, though its quite healthy for you.
In a large pot (mine isn't big enough, so I cut it down to one onion, just less than a pound of mushrooms, 3/4 cup barley, and one carrot, and 8 cups water), combine chopped onion(s), celery, garlic (I upped it to four large cloves) and mushrooms. I added some water to this so that the veggies wouldn't stick to the pot. Saute for about 4 minutes, and then add the barley, soy sauce, seasonings, and water. Bring to a boil, and then simmer (I had it covered, though its not called for), for 2 to 3 hours. 45 minutes before its done, add the chopped carrots.