beef barley stew w/ sweet potatoes

in a large pot, heat:
2 Tbs canola oil
over high heat.

add:
2 1/2 lbs stew beef
in batches. cook until browned (4-5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
remove beef from pot; set aside.

add:
2 onions, halved and thinly sliced
6 cloves garlic, minced
cook til softened (8-10 minutes)

sprinkle with:
2 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp salt

add reserved beef and
2 cans beef broth plus
2 cups water
bring to a boil.

stir in:
2 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
1 cup uncooked barley
reduce heat to low.

cover. simmer til beef and barley and sweet potatoes are tender, about 1 1/2 hours.