Beefy Mushroom Barley Soup

1 pound cubed beef stew meat
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups water
2 tablespoons margarine
2 large carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
6 cups water
3 cubes beef bouillon cube
1/4 cup pearl barley
1/4 cup sour cream

Directions
1 Brown small cubes of stew meat in vegetable oil over
medium heat until juices become a rich brown color. Add 2
cups water, and simmer meat while preparing the vegetables.
2 In a large soup pot, melt butter or margarine over
medium heat. Saute carrots, onion, garlic, celery, and mushrooms.
3 Add meat, 6 cups water, bouillon cubes, and barley to
vegetable mixture. Cook until barley is soft. Adjust liquid and
seasoning as desired. Remove from heat, and stir in sour cream.