Barley and Beef Stew

Preparation

1. Soak barley in 2 cups of water for 1 hour.
2. Dice onion and celery. Mince garlic clove. Slice carrots 1/4-inch thick. Cut beef into 1-1/2 inch cubes.
3. Place flour, black pepper and stew meat in a plastic bag. Shake to dust stew meat with flour.
4. Heat oil in a heavy 4-quart pot and brown the stew meat. Remove meat from pot.
5. Sauté and stir onion, celery and garlic in meat drippings for 2 minutes. Add 2 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Return meat to the pot. Add bay leaves and salt. reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Drain and rinse barley, then add to the pot. Cover and cook for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes.
7. After 1 hour add sliced carrots and Mrs. Dash® herb seasoning. Simmer for another hour. Add additional water if needed to prevent sticking.