Beef soup with dumplings

Beef soup with dumplings is a classic recipe that has always brought comfort and warmth to the hearts of those who savor it. This soup is not only nourishing but also a way to reconnect with culinary traditions and pleasant memories of family meals. I will guide you step by step in preparing this delicious soup, providing you with useful tips and interesting information about ingredients and cooking techniques.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

- 1.5 kg beef bones with meat (at least 1 marrow bone and 1 knuckle bone)
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 parsley root or parsnip
- 1 large onion
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons semolina
- 1 tablespoon oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- optional: 1 cube/teaspoon beef or vegetable concentrate (for added flavor)

Ingredient details:

Beef bones are essential for obtaining a rich broth in flavor and nutrients. Marrow bones provide a deep flavor and creamy texture, while the knuckle bone contributes to a clear and flavorful soup. The vegetables used, such as carrots and parsley, not only enrich the soup's taste but also bring essential vitamins. The onion, sautéed at the beginning, adds natural sweetness.

Preparing the soup:

1. Preparing the bones: Start by soaking the beef bones in cold water for 15-20 minutes. This step helps remove blood and impurities, so your soup will be clearer and tastier.

2. Boiling the bones: Place the bones in a large pot, add 4 liters of cold water, and let it boil over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, skim off the foam that forms on the surface. It is important to have a clear soup, and this step helps you achieve a more refined final result.

3. Add the vegetables: After skimming the foam, add a teaspoon of salt and the whole, peeled, and washed vegetables (carrots, parsley, and onion). Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 1 hour. The vegetables will release their flavor into the soup and help enrich the taste.

4. Preparing the dumplings: While the soup is boiling, you can prepare the dumplings. In a small bowl, mix the egg with the baking soda activated with vinegar or lemon juice, oil, and semolina. Mix these ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Let the mixture sit for 45-60 minutes while the soup is boiling.

5. Cooking the dumplings: When the soup is ready, reduce the heat to a minimum and prepare a cup with some soup mixed with cold water. Using a teaspoon, drop small portions of the dumpling mixture into the soup. Be careful! The soup should not boil too hard; otherwise, the dumplings will not puff up properly. If the soup starts to boil, add a little of the liquid from the cup or remove the pot from the heat.

6. Finishing the dumplings: Once the dumplings start to puff up, turn them over to cook evenly. Cover the pot and keep it on very low heat. Occasionally, add a little liquid from the cup to maintain the optimal temperature. When the dumplings are cooked (about 10-15 minutes), let the pot sit covered for a few minutes.

7. Serving the soup: Before serving, heat the soup well and transfer it to a serving bowl. Add finely chopped greens on top for an extra touch of freshness. In bowls, place 2-3 dumplings and pour hot soup over them. You can also offer freshly ground pepper for those who prefer an extra kick.

Serving suggestions:

This delicious soup is perfect for a family meal. You can accompany it with a slice of fresh bread or crunchy croutons. A fresh green salad would also be an excellent choice to complement the meal.

Nutritional benefits:

Beef soup with dumplings is an excellent source of protein and minerals due to the collagen-rich beef bones, which help maintain joint health. The vegetables add essential vitamins, and the semolina in the dumplings provides carbohydrates that supply energy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use beef meat instead of bones?
Yes, you can use beef meat, but the soup will have a different taste. Bones provide a richer flavor and a special texture.

2. How can I store the soup?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for later use. Make sure to let it cool before storing.

3. What other vegetables can I add?
You can add celery, zucchini, or bell peppers to diversify the flavors.

Possible variations:

For a more elaborate version, you can add spices such as bay leaves, thyme, or dill during boiling. You can also experiment with different types of flour instead of semolina for dumplings, such as corn flour or whole wheat flour.

Useful tips:

- Make sure the soup does not boil too hard while cooking the dumplings.
- If the dumplings do not puff up properly, check if you used enough baking soda and egg.
- Try to use seasonal vegetables to benefit from the best flavors and nutrients.

So, I encourage you to try this beef soup with dumplings recipe, not only to enjoy a delicious dish but also to create beautiful memories with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg beef bones with meat (make sure to have 1 marrow bone and 1 sieve bone) 2 carrots 1 parsley/parsnip 1 large onion 1 bunch of parsley 1 teaspoon sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vinegar/lemon juice 5 tablespoons semolina 1 tablespoon oil salt, pepper optional 1 cube/teaspoon beef/vegetable concentrate