Interesting. I've never heard of "pot" barley, but I believe its called "hulled" barley around here. That's my preference, since I'm a whole-wheat, brown rice kind of guy. :) Its chewier, and takes a bit longer, but barley takes so damn long anyway it doesn't really matter.

I once used dried beans in a chili, and it was an utter disaster. They tasted raw, and had a lot of crunch to them. Not good at all. I think I soaked them first, but I'm not sure, that might have made a difference. Usually when I cooked with beans, I just go with canned beans, though I once soaked and cooked some beans, I think it was for Red Beans and Rice, it came out fine.

This sounds tasty! I think I'll try it sometime. Strangely enough this was never a traditional dish for my family, I don't think I've ever had it.