8ouncessirloin steaktrimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
½teaspoonfreshly ground pepperdivided
4teaspoonsextra-virgin olive oildivided
1medium onionchopped
1large stalk celerysliced
1large carrotsliced
2tablespoonstomato paste
1tablespoonchopped fresh thyme
¾cupquick-cooking barley
4cupslow-sodium beef broth
1cupwater
¼teaspoonsalt
1-2teaspoonsred-wine vinegar
Instructions
Season steak with 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the steak and cook, stirring often, until browned on all sides, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil, onion and celery to the pot and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, about 2 minutes. Add carrot and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes more. Add tomato paste and thyme and cook, stirring, until the vegetables are coated with the tomato paste and are beginning to brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add barley, broth, water, salt and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer; cook until the barley is tender, about 15 minutes. Return the beef and any accumulated juice to the pot and heat through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vinegar to taste.