Beef and Barley Soup

A great soup for a cold winter night.  This soup was easy and very filling.  Sort of a variation on beef stew.  Super Yummy!  Enjoy!

Beef and Barley Soup (from Bunny’s Warm Oven)

2 lb. lean beef stew meat, cut into 1″ cubes
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
5 c. water
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
4 tsp. beef bouillon granules (I use low sodium beef bouillon)
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 c. dry barley

In a Dutch oven, brown meat in oil on all sides; drain. Add the water, celery, carrots, onion, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 50 minutes.
Stir in barley; cover and simmer 10-15 minutes longer or until barley is tender. Makes 8 servings (about 2 quarts).