- 3/4 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1 1- to 1 1/4-pound crosscut beef shank
- 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 cups chopped leeks (white and pale green parts only)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped peeled parsnips
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 7 cups hot water
- 1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
- 1/2 cup pearl barley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 ounces green beans, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- Place mushrooms in bowl; pour hot water over to cover. Let stand until mushrooms are soft, about 30 minutes. Drain. Cut off stems; discard. Slice mushroom caps; transfer to 6-quart slow cooker.
- Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef; cook 4 minutes per side. Transfer to slow cooker. Add remaining oil to same skillet. Add leeks, parsnips, celery, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Transfer mixture to slow cooker. Stir in 7 cups hot water, tomatoes with juice, barley, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover; cook on high until meat falls off bone and barley is tender, about 4 1/2 hours.
- Remove meat from slow cooker; cool slightly. Discard bone and fat. Shred meat; return to slow cooker. Add green beans. Cover; cook until beans are tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into bowls and serve.