Heat oil in heavy pan, I used my large cast iron skillet.
With heat at medium high to high, working in batches sear your cubes of stew meat until browned on all sides, adding oil as necessary.
Put stew meat in your slowcooker or in a heavy pot if you are using your stove top.
Adding oil if necessary, brown your shanks on all sides.
Place shanks in slowcooker or pot
Add remaining ingredients and cook in slowcooker on LOW for 8-9 hours or on the stovetop on simmer for 2-3 hours.
If cooking on stovetop, you may need to add some additional liquid if it evaporates.
If gluten is not an issue, add some to your soup as desired. I try to avoid unnecesarry gluten and it is plenty hearty without the barley.