Slice the onion and cook with plenty of oil along with garlic and laurel leaf. When the onion begins to color add the potato chopped in small cubes.
Mix and leave over a low flame for a few minutes, then add the broth adding some black pepper and salt. Bring to boil.
Add the barley (soak in water for a couple of minutes before) and leave to boil until ready (around 30 mins).
Serve hot, with grated parmesan cheese and grated black pepper and salt, to taste.