Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper - To taste
• Thyme - 1 teaspoon
• Bay leaf - 1
• Beef broth - 6 cups
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Celery - 2 stalks, sliced
• Carrots - 2, sliced
• Onion - 1, chopped
• Barley - 1/2 cup
• Beef stew meat - 1 lb, cubed

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the beef stew meat and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Add the barley, beef broth, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the beef is tender and the barley is cooked.
5. Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!