Donna'S Winter Barley Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb. ground beef or sirloin cubes
1 to 2 chopped onions
2 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
5 c. water or broth (bouillon with water)
14 1/2 oz. can whole tomatoes, cut up in juice
3/4 c. quick barley
1 c. sliced carrots, celery and pepper
1/2 tsp. each: basil and bay leaves
9 oz. mixed frozen vegetables

Preparation

In Dutch oven, brown meat (add oil if using sirloin cubes). Drain oil.
Add onion and garlic.
Cook until tender.
Stir in all except frozen vegetables.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add frozen vegetables and cook 10 minutes.
You may use fresh vegetables; just cook until tender.