Quick Beef & Barley Soup Recipe | Say Mmm

Ingredients

• 8 ounces sirloin steak, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
• 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 large stalk celery, sliced
• 1 large carrot, sliced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking barley
• 4 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1-2 teaspoons red-wine vinegar