Ingredients: 
1 (about 3 pounds) boneless beef chuck arm, blade or shoulder pot roast 
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 
1 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
1/2 pound medium cremini or button mushrooms, halved 
1 medium onion, chopped 
3 large cloves garlic, minced 
1 1/4 cups ready-to-serve beef broth 
1 bay leaf 
1/2 cup medium pearl barley 
1 cup frozen peas, defrosted 
1/3 cup dairy sour cream (optional)