In a 4 quart pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Stir in the peppers, onion and bay leaves. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds. Add the cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and crushed red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, toasting the spices, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the beer,, stir and scrape the pan to deglaze. Cook for about 2 minutes, then stir in the veggie stock and barley. Bring to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook until the barley is just tender, stirring occasionally, about 15-20 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and black beans., bring back to a simmer, slightly cover the pot again with the lid, and cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is tender and the chili is thickened, 20 to 30 minutes.
Stir in the lime juice and maple syrup, remove the bay leaves. Optional: stir in one Beyond Beef patty, cooked and crumbled. Enjoy!