Beef Barley Stew

~Adapted from Skinny Taste~

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

Heat a large heavy pot or dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil and beef, season with a little salt and brown meat a few minutes.

When meat is browned, add carrots, leek, celery and garlic to the pot and give it a good stir.

Add water, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil. When boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer covered over low heat until the meat is soft, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Add the barley, adjust the salt if needed and add fresh ground pepper. Simmer an additional 30-35, remove bay leaves and serve. Makes 6-8 servings.