This hearty soup is easy to make and will soon become a family favorite

English Beef Soup

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 pound lean beef -- cut in 1" cubes
1 small onion -- sliced rings
4 stalks celery -- chopped
2 quarts beef broth
1/2 cup chopped carrots
1/2 cup cooked barley
4 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup cold water
2 tablespoons tomato catsup
1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large soup pot, heat the oil and brown the beef and onion.
Drain off the fat. Add the celery and beef broth. Simmer, covered,
for 1-1 1/2 hours, or until the meat is tender. Add the carrots and
barley and simmer for 20 minutes. In a small bowl, blend the flour
and cold water. Slowly add the flour mixture to the soup pot and
cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the catsup,
Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Stir well and serve.