The Cozy Beef Barley Soup I Make All Winter Long

Name: The Cozy Beef Barley Soup I Make All Winter Long
Ingredients: 1/3 cup (about 1/4 ounce) dried porcini or mixed wild mushrooms, optional; 2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed of any large pieces of fat; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced; 1 large parsnip, peeled and chopped; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme and rosemary, or 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 tablespoons red miso, optional; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 bay leaf; 3/4 cup pearled barley (preferably Bob’s Red Mill)