Barley Peasant Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups water
• 5 cups beef broth
• 2 cups sliced carrots
• 1-1/2 cups medium pearl barley
• 1 can (15 ounces) garbanzo beans or chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups sliced zucchini
• 3 cups diced plum tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped cabbage
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional