SOUP 'N FLEISCH (FLANKEN)

Steps:

• Grate carrots, celery and onions, and set aside. I blended the soup later so this step is up to you. If you want a creamy soup, no need to grate.
• In a large pot, cover the flanken with water; bring to boil for 2 minutes; then change water to the full amount (4-5 quarts).
• Bring this fresh water with flanken to a boil.
• Add the dried soup mix with contents of seasoning packet enclosed, bouillon cubes and the bay leaf.
• Cook for 1/2 hour.
• Add (grated) vegetables and cook for at least 1 hour on a low flame. I cooked it for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
• Then add garlic powder or fresh garlic. Salt and pepper, to taste, and add potatoes. Cook for 10-15 minutes more.
• Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
• When ready to serve, remove bay leaf.
• If you want the soup creamy, you may remove veggies to the blender. Be careful for any bones that may have come loose from the short ribs.
• Meanwhile, put the meat into a separate bowl so that you can remove bones and fat and trim into nice chunks.
• Once the veggies are blended, you can add it back to the pot with the soup to mix.
• You may serve in bowls with the meat added or freeze in plastic containers distributing the meat chunks evenly.
• Serve with bread as a meal in one.