VEGETABLE BARLEY BEEF STEW

1 pound lean stew beef
1 medium chopped onion
1 tbsp. oil
3 cups water
1 bouillon cube
1/4 cup raw barley
2 cups water
16 oz. can tomato sauce
16 oz. package frozen mixed vegetables
1 to 2 bay leaves
2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. pepper

Brown meat and onion in oil in a large saucepan. Meat will initially stick to pan but as cooking continues it will become unstuck. Drain off any excess fat.

Add three cups water and bouillon cube. Bring to a boil.

Add barley. Bring to a boil again, then cover and simmer for one hour.

Add two cups water, tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, bay leaves, oregano, chili powder, and pepper. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes or longer.

Servings: 8