Beef and Barley Soup

Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs stew meat cubes
4 cups beef broth
1 cup water
1 onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 carrot, sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup pearl barley
1 bay leaf
10 oz frozen green beans
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes
10 oz frozen green peas

Directions
In a large pot, over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add beef cubes and cook for about 8 minutes; stirring occasionally until browned on all sides. Stir in beef broth, water, onion, celery, carrot, oregano, black pepper, garlic, barley and bay leaf. Bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in green beans, tomatoes and peas. Simmer, covered, until meat and vegetables are tender, about 15 more minutes. Remove bay leaf. Enjoy!