Deedee   posted 03-31-98 
  Beef Barley Soup 
  1 lb. stewing beef cut into bite size pieces 
  2 tablespoons oil 
  9 cups water 
  9 beef bouillon cubes 
  1 1/2 cups cubed rutabagas 
  1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots 
  3/4 cup diced celery 
  3/4 cup diced onion 
  1 clove garlic minced 
  3/4 cups medium barley 
  1 bay leaf 
  1/4 teaspoon pepper 
  1 teaspoon dried basil 
  1 teaspoon dried thyme 
  1 (16 ounce) can tomatoes diced and undrained 
  Brown beef in the oil.  Add all other ingredients and simmer about 1 1/2 hours until all vegetables are tender.