beef barley soup recipe

Beef Barley Soup Recipe **Ingredients:** - 1 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into small pieces - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 carrots, peeled and diced - 3 celery stalks, diced - 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed - 8 cups beef broth - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 bay leaves - 1 tsp dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish