I love this one from CL and it is fairly simple to make. It is a broth base though. You could always thicken it with a bit of cornstarch.
* Exported from MasterCook *
Beef and Barley Soup
Recipe By :
Serving Size : 8 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Soups/Stews
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 pounds beef stew meat -- trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups chopped leek (about 4 medium)
2 cups chopped carrot
4 garlic cloves -- minced
5 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 bay leaves
36 ounces less-sodium beef broth
1 cup uncooked pearl barley
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add half of beef; cook 5 minutes, browning on all sides. Remove from pan. Repeat procedure with remaining beef.
Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add leek, carrot, and garlic; sauté 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Return beef to pan. Add water and next 5 ingredients (through broth); bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Add barley; cook 30 minutes or until beef and barley are tender. Discard bay leaves.
Source:
"Cooking Light, JANUARY 2005 (adapted)"
NOTES : Add some mushrooms...
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