Beef and Barley Soup

I got this recipe from my friend Alice that graciously made this for a group of ladies at a church Woman's Retreat.
It has quickly become one of our family favorites. A hearty, and healthy supper on a cold Canadian winters night.

• 1 lb. beef stew or other lean beef
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 large chopped onion
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 9 cups of low sodium beef broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon basil
• 1/4 tsp. pepper or to taste
• 1 large Rutabaga
• 3 celery stalks
• 3 carrots
• 1- 28 oz can tomatoes
• 3/4 cup barley

1. Brown beef.
2. add onions and garlic and cook till softened.
3. add remaining ingredients and simmer for about an hour til the barley is done.
4. or in the crock pot on low for 8-10 hours.
5. this yields about 16 cups.
6. serve with any of the fantastic buns, bread or biscuits found on our side bar.