Rustic beef soup

Country-style beef soup: A recipe full of flavor and tradition

Country-style beef soup is an emblematic dish in our cuisine, bringing together the rich flavors of beef with the freshness of vegetables. From grandparents to parents and beyond, this recipe has been passed down through generations, having the power to gather the family around the table for a steaming bowl of goodness.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

- 1 kg beef (preferably from the shoulder or neck)
- 1 large carrot
- 1 parsnip
- 1 large onion
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 slice of cabbage
- 100 g peas (preferably fresh or frozen)
- 100 g green beans (cut)
- 2 small cauliflower florets
- 2 small broccoli florets
- Salt (to taste)
- 300 - 500 ml borscht (depending on how sour you want the soup)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 100 g tomato and pepper sauce
- 1 bunch of lovage
- 1 bunch of parsley

Preparing the Soup

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by cutting the beef into small cubes. This will help it cook evenly and quickly. You can choose meat from the shoulder or neck for a more tender texture. Place the meat in a large pot with cold water and let it boil. If you have a pressure cooker, it will significantly reduce the cooking time, helping the meat become tender in about 40 minutes.

2. Adding the vegetables:
Once the meat has boiled, add the finely chopped onion, sliced carrot and parsnip, and diced bell pepper. Boil the mixture for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the vegetables to become slightly soft.

3. Completing with vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the rest of the vegetables: diced potatoes, slice of cabbage, peas, green beans, cauliflower, and broccoli. These will bring extra freshness and color to the soup. Let them boil together for about 15 minutes or until all the vegetables are well cooked.

4. Flavoring the soup:
To give the soup that specific note, add the tomato and pepper sauce, as well as the heated borscht. The amount of borscht depends on how sour you want your soup. A little secret: if you add half a teaspoon of sugar, you will balance the acidity of the tomatoes and borscht.

5. Finishing:
After bringing the soup to a boil, add the finely chopped lovage and parsley for an extra flavor boost. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the herbs to release their essential oils.

Serving

Country-style beef soup is served hot, alongside fresh sour cream. If you’re a fan of spice, don’t forget to add a fresh chili pepper on the side of the plate! This dish pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread that absorbs the delicious broth.

Tips and Variations

- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, to diversify the taste.
- Lent soup: If you want to turn this recipe into a lent version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables or even chickpeas.
- Spices: For an extra flavor boost, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

Country-style beef soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, essential for blood and muscle health. The vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- How can I store the soup? The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze portions to have on hand for busy days.
- What should I do if the soup is too sour? You can add a little more sugar to balance the taste or a splash of sour cream.

Serving Suggestions and Combinations

For a complete meal, you can accompany the soup with a fresh summer salad or warm polenta. Additionally, a refreshing drink, such as fruit compote or natural juice, will make the meal even more enjoyable.

Country-style beef soup is more than just a simple dish; it is a tradition, a story, a way to gather family. So, dress your tables with this wonderful recipe and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: 1 kg beef, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 1 onion, 1/2 red bell pepper, 2 potatoes, 1 slice of cabbage, 100 g peas, 100 g green beans, 2 florets of cauliflower, 2 florets of broccoli, salt, 300 - 500 ml borscht (depending on how sour it is), 1/2 teaspoon sugar, 100 g tomato and pepper sauce (www.myfancycake.com/2011/10/sos-de-rosii-si-ardei-baza-pentru.html), 1 bunch of lovage and 1 bunch of parsley