Rustic beef soup
Peasant Soup with Beef: A Traditional Delicacy
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Peasant soup with beef is a rustic dish, full of flavor, that combines tradition with fresh ingredients. This recipe will not only provide you with a delicious meal but also an insight into the art of Romanian cooking, where each ingredient speaks of the season, nature, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.
Ingredients needed:
- 1000 g beef brisket with bone
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 1 small celery
- 1 parsnip
- 2 zucchini
- 200 g green beans
- 1 bell pepper (green or red)
- 2 tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
- iodized salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 bunch of fresh lovage
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 peppercorn
- 1 allspice berry
- thyme, to taste
- 200 ml tomato puree
- 1 egg
Preparing the soup:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the onion, carrots, celery, parsnip, and bell pepper. Chop the onion finely and cut the other vegetables into suitable cubes. This step is essential to ensure that the vegetables cook evenly and contribute to a pleasant texture of the soup.
2. Sautéing the onion: In a large pot, add two tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This stage will enhance the flavor of the soup.
3. Boiling the meat: Add the meat cut into pieces of about 3-4 cm to the sautéed onion. Mix well and let it brown slightly for 5 minutes. This will add a special taste to the soup.
4. Adding the vegetables: Add all the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, parsnip, zucchini, green beans, and bell pepper) to the pot. Also add the spices: bay leaf, peppercorn, allspice, and thyme. These will give the soup a deep and comforting aroma.
5. Boiling the soup: Pour in enough water to cover all ingredients, then let the soup simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Cover the pot with a lid, but not tightly, to allow steam to escape. This step is important to avoid overcrowding.
6. Cooling and seasoning: After it has boiled, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow you to open the lid without causing hot steam. Season the soup with salt, pepper, and tomato puree. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes for the flavors to blend.
7. Adding the egg: Before turning off the heat, beat the egg in a small bowl. Pour it in a thin stream into the soup, stirring constantly to achieve a "snow" or "shreds" effect. This trick gives the soup a more interesting texture and makes it more appealing.
8. Serving: Finally, pour the soup into bowls and sprinkle with finely chopped parsley and lovage. These fresh herbs not only add a splash of color but also a fresh and aromatic taste.
Serving suggestion: Accompany the soup with a slice of freshly baked bread or warm polenta. Don’t forget to offer a bottle of sour cream for those who prefer a tangy taste!
Nutritional information: Peasant soup is a healthy option, packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to the fresh vegetables. A serving (about 250 ml) contains approximately 180-220 calories, being rich in protein due to the beef. It is an excellent choice for a nutritious meal, and the vegetables provide a fiber boost, essential for digestion.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace beef with another type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken or even pork. Cook the soup the same way as in the original recipe, but adjust the cooking time according to the type of meat used.
- What additional vegetables can I add? You can add potatoes or pumpkin to make the soup even heartier. Each vegetable will bring a unique flavor note.
- Can the soup be frozen? Yes, the soup can be frozen. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to freezing containers. You can keep it for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Recipe variations: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables and beans for an increased protein intake. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs to customize the soup to your tastes.
Peasant soup with beef is more than just a recipe; it is a family story, a symbol of comfort and culinary traditions. Savor each spoonful and enjoy the warm atmosphere that this soup brings to your home!
Ingredients: beef rib with bone 1000 g, yellow onion 1 piece, carrots 2 pieces, celery 1 smaller piece, parsnip 1 piece, zucchini 2 pieces, green beans 200 g, green or red bell pepper 1 piece, tomatoes 2 pieces, sunflower oil, iodized salt, freshly ground pepper, fresh parsley, fresh lovage, bay leaf 1 piece, whole pepper, allspice 1 berry, thyme, Panacris tomato paste 200 ml, egg 1 piece.
