Hearty Oxtail Soup Recipe

Melt butter in a large kettle. Saute oxtails or beef shanks, carrots, onion, celery, leeks and green pepper until vegetables are bright in color. Add tomatoes, bouillon, onion and garlic powder, pepper, salt and water. Bring to a boil. Skim off any foam. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-3 hours or until the meat is tender. Stir in barley; cover and continue to simmer until tender, about 1 hour. Add additional water if necessary. Remove bones. Remove meat from bones; dice and return to soup. Garnish with parsley. Yield: 20-24 servings.