Soupe D' Automne (Autumn Soup) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 tablespoon oil
2 cups onions (chopped)
8 cups hot water
2 cups carrots (chopped)
2 cups celery (chopped)
2 cups potatoes (diced)
2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (I use more)
2 teaspoons beef, concentrate (I use beef bouillon cubes)
2 bay leaves
1/8 teaspoon basil (or to taste, on occasion I use thyme instead)
4 cups tomatoes (or 4 cups canned tomatoes)

Preparation

In large soup pot brown ground beef, add onions and celery simmer until tender, stirring frequently.
Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are done.
Add tomatoes and simmer another 10 minutes.
Serve with freshly baked bread or rolls for a hearty meal.