Bring beef and water to a boil. Remove scum and throw away as it comes. Soon it stops. Then add the spices and large chunks of vegetables. Simmer for 3-4 hours until meat is tender. Strain and let cool. Then skim off fat. Use broth for soup.
Heat broth and add chopped carrots, potatoes, corn, string beans (if desired) and pearled barley (about 1/2 cup). I usually boil barley in 1 1/2 cups of water for 50 min. before adding to the soup.