Beef Vegetable and Barley Soup

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 cups cabbage, shredded
• 2 large celery ribs, sliced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup pearl barley
• 1 cup potato, peeled and cut into 3/4inch cubes
• 5 beef bouillon cubes
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups water
• 1 (16 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, added at end
• salt, to taste added at end (optional)