Beef and Barley Soup Recipe

**Ingredients:**

– 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Beef:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
– Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. **Sauté Vegetables:**
– In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

3. **Add Broth and Barley:**
– Return the browned beef to the pot.
– Add the carrots, celery, and pearl barley.
– Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf and dried thyme.

4. **Simmer:**
– Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked through.

5. **Season:**
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.
– Remove the bay leaf before serving.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting beef and barley soup!