Pat dry…

  • 2 pounds beef chuck roast (cubed and no larger than 3/4 inch)

Season beef with…

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Over medium-high heat, add to large pot…

  • 1 tablespoon olive
  • season beef cubes

Brown on all sides. You should do this in batchs to avoid overcrowding the pan. Remove beef and set aside.

To the hot pot add…

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup white onion, diced
  • 3 stalks celery, sliced and chopped
  • 2 large carrots, chopped

Saute for 4-5 minutes, then add…

  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed and minced

Saute for another minute.

Deglaze the pot with a bit of red wine (or a bit of beef broth), scraping up the flavorful bits from the bottom. Continue heating until the wine is reduced by half.

Return the browned beef to the pot.

Add…

  • 3 ounces tomato paste (1/2 of 6 ounce can)
  • 1 cup diced tomatos, fresh or canned
  • 1 cup barley hulled or pearl (uncooked); don’t use instant
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
  • 6-8 cups beef broth
  • salt and freshly cracked pepper as necessary

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 1 - 1 1/2 hours – this will depend on the type of barley you chose. Simply cook until beef and barley are tender.

Adjust seasonings, remove bay leaves and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley.