In a 8 quart pot, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and saute until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Place the parsley, dill and half the carrots in a cheesecloth or mesh bad and close. Stir in the remaining vegetables and spices. Add the cheesecloth bag and clover with water. Bring a boil. Lower the flame and let simmer covered for 45 minutes or until vegetables become soft and tender.
Remove the cheesecloth packet. Discard the herbs and set the carrot aside. Puree the soup with a hand blender. Add the reserved carrots.
Add the flanken and let simmer on low for 2-3 hours or until meat soft. Add the barley during the last half hour. Stir occasionally to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the the pot.
Serve the soup with a piece of flanken.
The soup can be made in advance and it freezes well.
I have made this soup countless times. It was a hit each and every time. I personally don't love barley, so I substitute it with farfel. I always have some in the freezer, since everybody loves it. This is a real treat in my house. I personally dont dice and slice the vegetables since I use the imersion blender afterwards anyway. I just cut them in bigger chunks.
Like I said, a favorite soup in my house that is constantly being eaten.