Beef & Barley Soup

1 lb stewing meat

2 tbsp onion powder or 1 onion diced small

2-4 large carrots cut up

2 celery sticks cup up

2 cups chopped spinach (optional)

2 tsp salt

2 tsp garlic powder

2 bay leaves

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp pepper

3/4 cup pearl barley

6 cups beef broth

1/4 cup soy sauce (optional)

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

1 tbsp parsley

Cook in crockpot for 6-8 hours on low.  It turns out amazing.