Mushroom Barley Soup

Name: Mushroom Barley Soup
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons olive or untoasted sesame oil; 1/4 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms (soaked in 1 cup hot water); 1 1/2 pounds assorted mushrooms (creminis mixed with at least 6 ounces shiitakes, sliced); 1/4 cup shallots (chopped); 1 small onion (chopped); 1 stalk celery (diced); 1 carrot (diced); 1/2 cup pearled barley; 4 cups vegetable stock (or water); 4 tablespoons tamari; 1 branch fresh thyme; 1 bay leaf; Sea salt to taste; Freshly ground pepper to taste; Garnish: chopped fresh dill