1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 c. chopped onions
2 c. hot water
3/4 c. cut up celery
3/4 c. cut up potatoes
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 bay leaf, crumbled
Pinch of basil
3 tomatoes
Barley, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can tomato paste (optional)

Brown beef slowly in a little hot fat in heavy kettle. Add onions and cook 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, except tomatoes; mix thoroughly. Bring to boil, cover, and simmer 20 minutes. Add tomatoes, more water if needed. Simmer 10 minutes more. 2 servings.