3 pounds boneless beef roast
2 tablespoons margarine
4 1/2 cups water
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 carrots, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
4 potatoes, cubed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1. In a large pot over medium high heat, brown the meat on all sides in the butter or margarine. Add 4 cups of the water and bring to a boil. Add the onion, salt and ground black pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for one hour.
2. Add the carrots, celery and potatoes and simmer for another 1 1/2 hours. Then combine the flour and remaining 1/2 cup water in a separate small bowl, forming a thin paste. Add this to the soup, stirring well and simmer for 15 more minutes.