Beef and Barley Stew

Beef and Barley Stew

2 pounds extra lean beef stew meat, trimmed of excess fat, cut into 1-inch pieces
Pepper to taste
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Nonstick cooking spray
1 medium onion, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup sliced carrots
2 tablespoons snipped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
5 cups fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water
2 cups potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks*
2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks*
1 cup coarsely chopped roma tomatoes
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup medium barley
1 cup frozen peas
Season meat to taste with pepper and thoroughly coat with flour. In a 6-quart nonstick Dutch oven coated with nonstick cooking spray, cook meat over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for several more minutes. Add carrots, parsley, and thyme; sauté for 3 to 5 minutes. Add broth and water and bring to a boil, scraping bottom of the pan. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Add potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and barley. Return to boiling; reduce heat and continue cooking, covered, over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes or until the meat and vegetables are tender. Add peas, stirring for one minute.