Step 1

Heat a large heavy pot or dutch oven on medium heat.

Step 2

Add oil and beef, season with a little salt and brown meat a few minutes.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add water, salt and bay leaves and bring to a boil.

Step 5

When boiling, reduce heat to low and cover.

Step 6

Simmer covered over low heat until the meat is soft, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours.

Step 7

Add the barley, adjust the salt if needed and add fresh ground pepper.

Step 8

Simmer an additional 30-35, remove bay leaves and serve.

Step 9

Follow all the steps with the meat and carrots as instructed above, when you add the water, cover and lock the lid.

Step 10

Cook in the pressure cooker for about 30 minutes on medium low heat.

Step 11

Remove from heat and when the pressure cooker is cool enough to unlock the lid, remove and add barley. Cook an additional 30 minutes uncovered.