2 pounds beef stew meat cut into ½ inch pieces
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, cut into ½ inch pieces
3 carrots, cut into ½ inch pieces
1 small red pepper, chopped
5 cups water
2 tablespoons instant beef bouillon
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon basil
1 bay leaf
½ cup medium pearled barley
Cooking Process
Combine all ingredients, except barley, in slow cooking pot. Cover and cook at setting #3 (low) for 7 to 9 hours or at setting #5 (high) for 4 to 5 hours.
During last hour of cooking, add barley and continue cooking at same heat setting. Remove bay leaf before serving. Reduce heat to setting #2(low) for serving.