Beef soup

Beef soup is a truly special dish that brings comfort and good cheer to every home. A traditional recipe, full of flavors and textures, beef soup is often considered a symbol of hospitality. Whether served at a festive meal or on an ordinary day, this warm and nourishing dish is sure to delight everyone.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients for a 5 kg pot:
- 700-800 g beef brisket or beef shank (a combination of beef neck and bone is ideal)
- ½ kg carrot
- 3 pieces parsnip
- 1 piece parsley root
- 1 celery root
- 2 pieces bell pepper
- 150 g green beans
- 2 onions
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 kg sour borscht
- 1 head of dill flower
- 3 bunches lovage
- 1 bunch parsley
- 1 bunch tarragon (optional)
- 1 egg (optional, for thickening)
- sour cream (optional, for serving)

Preparing this soup is a process that requires patience and love, but the result is well worth the effort.

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by placing the beef in a large pot with 2 liters of cold water. Add a teaspoon of salt and let it simmer over medium heat for about 1 hour. It is important not to stir the water during boiling, so the soup remains clear. This step is essential for obtaining a rich and flavorful broth.

Step 2: Preparing the vegetables
Meanwhile, chop the onion, dill flower, and the other vegetables. Cut the carrot, parsnip, parsley root, and celery into small cubes (about 1 cm). These vegetables will add sweetness and flavor to the soup.

Step 3: Sautéing the vegetables
In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and add the chopped vegetables. Sauté them for 2 minutes over medium heat until they become slightly translucent. This step will intensify the flavors and help the vegetables integrate better into the soup.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
After the meat has boiled, remove it from the pot and reserve the broth. Add the sautéed vegetables to the pot along with the meat broth. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Adding the sturdier vegetables
Now it's time to add the diced potatoes, sliced bell pepper, the bunch of parsley, two bunches of lovage, and the peeled tomatoes, cut into 2 cm thick slices. These ingredients will add freshness and wonderful flavor to your soup.

Step 6: Finishing the soup
Add the chopped tarragon and the beef cut into small pieces. Boil the borscht separately and, once boiled, add it to the pot. Adjust the salt and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.

Step 7: Serving
Once the soup is ready, turn off the heat and add the remaining fresh lovage. If desired, you can thicken the soup with a beaten egg, stirring quickly to achieve a fine texture. Serve the beef soup with a spoonful of sour cream and, for the more adventurous, add a hot pepper for an extra kick.

Useful tips:
- Beef soup is an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings with friends, being a dish that keeps well and can be reheated easily.
- You can experiment with other vegetables depending on your preferences or the season. For example, add peas or zucchini for a different taste.
- Don't forget to prepare a slice of fresh bread to accompany the soup. Homemade bread or a crispy baguette are ideal!

Nutritional benefits:
This beef soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals, thanks to the fresh vegetables and beef. It is a hearty dish, perfect for colder days, providing a balanced nutritional intake.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.
2. How can I keep the soup longer?
The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze it, but it is recommended not to add sour cream until serving.
3. What other spices can I add?
You can experiment with sweet or hot paprika, pepper, and even a little garlic for a more intense flavor.

Beef soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Discover the joy of cooking this delicious dish and don't forget to share the recipe with your loved ones. So, put on your apron and unleash your creativity, because once you try this recipe, beef soup will surely become one of your favorites!

 Ingredients: beef breast 700-800 g or beef shank (I had a piece of beef neck and a bone) 1/2 kg carrot 3 pieces parsnip 1 piece parsley root 1 celery root 2 pieces bell pepper 150 g green beans 2 onions 4 tomatoes 1 kg borscht (sour) 1 head of dill 3 bunches lovage 1 bunch parsley 1 bunch tarragon (optional) 1 egg, sour cream (optional, for serving)

 Tags:  beef soup