Wash hands with soap and water.

Place a medium pan over medium heat; add vegetable oil, onion and celery. Cook, stirring often until onion is soft.

Add bell pepper (if using), mushrooms and pearl barley. Stir well.

Add water and bouillon and stir to dissolve bouillon. Bring to a boil, lower heat and cover pan.

Cook for 50 to 60 minutes or until barley is tender and liquid is absorbed.

This can be used as a side dish, or stuffing for pork chops or chicken.

To serve as a main dish, add 2 cups of any chopped cooked meat during the last fifteen minutes of cooking.