Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 tsp oil
• 1-1/2 lbs lean beef round stew meat
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 6 cups water
• 1 - 2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 2/3 cup dry barley
• fresh ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat a large heavy pot or dutch oven on medium heat.
2. Add oil and beef, season with a little salt and brown meat a few minutes.
3. When meat is browned, add carrots, onion, celery and garlic to the pot and give it a good stir.
4. Add water, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil.
5. When boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.
6. Simmer covered over low heat until the meat is soft, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
7. Add the barley, adjust the salt if needed and add fresh ground pepper.
8. Simmer an additional 30-35, remove bay leaves and serve.