Wash the pearl barley, place in a bowl, cover with water, and let soak for 4 to 5 hours.
Drain the soaked barley, place in a saucepan, cover with fresh water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 40 minutes until tender.
Cut the beef into small pieces.
Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until browned on all sides.
Cut the onion into thin rings and add to the beef, stirring to combine.
Grate the carrot on a coarse grater, add to the pan, and fry for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in water until it almost covers the meat and vegetables. Add the 3 allspice peas, 3 bay leaves, salt, and black pepper to taste. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes until the beef is tender.
Add the cooked barley to the pan and stir everything together well.