Rinse the pearl barley under cold water and drain.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef or pork chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the beef or chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Return the browned meat to the pot.
Add the rinsed pearl barley, chopped carrots, diced potatoes, bay leaf, dried thyme, and dried marjoram.
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the barley is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Ladle the krupnik into serving bowls.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your meal!