Marsala and Mushroom Beef Stew

Ingredients

• • 2 lb (1 kg) cubes of stewing beef
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 lb (454g) white button mushrooms, halved
  • 2 onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) Marsala wine
  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 cup (250 ml) pearl barley (optional)
  • Salt and pepper