Bring water to boil. Add barley, salt, pepper and parsley. Cook for 1/2 hour. Add rest of ingredients and cook over low heat for 2-3 hours until meat and root vegetables are tender. Add more water during cooking time, if necessary. I use rutabagas as they give a sweeter taste.

This is a wonderful made ahead and warmed up on the stove or in the microwave oven, as the ingredients have a change to blend to make a marvelous taste. Can also be divided into 2-3 serving portions and frozen. Serve with warmed full-grain bread. The Scots are partial to oat bread!

Serves 4-6.