Beef soup
Beef Soup - A Comforting Delight
Beef soup is a traditional recipe that brings comfort and warmth on chilly days. This rich soup, with a wonderful taste and low fat content, is perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Besides being delicious, beef soup is also very nutritious, offering a combination of quality proteins and healthy vegetables. In this guide, I will share the necessary steps to prepare the perfect beef soup, along with useful tricks and tips to achieve an exceptional result.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 75 minutes
Total: 95 minutes
Number of servings: 6
Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g beef (preferably boneless, to reduce fat)
- 2 carrots
- 1 celery
- 1 parsnip
- 1 parsley root
- 1 leek
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 large onion
- 300 g peas (frozen or fresh)
- 50 ml sunflower or olive oil
- Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
- Fresh dill leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried tarragon
- Pepper, salt to taste
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling all the vegetables. Cut the beef into cubes of about 2-3 cm. The carrots, celery, parsnip, and parsley root should be diced small for even cooking. The onion and bell pepper can be finely chopped, while the leek is cut lengthwise and then into thin slices.
2. Browning the meat: In a large pot, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and let them brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally for even browning.
3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is browned, add the onion, leek, and bell pepper. Allow them to sauté together with the meat for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
4. Including the root vegetables: Add the carrots, celery, parsnip, and parsley root. Mix well to combine the ingredients and let them sauté for 10 minutes. This step will help intensify the flavors.
5. Seasoning: Sprinkle in the cumin, tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste. Seasoning is essential to give personality to your soup. Mix well so that the spices integrate into the composition.
6. Adding water: Add 3 liters of water. Allow the soup to boil on high heat, then reduce the temperature to medium and let it simmer for 60 minutes. It’s important to check the meat periodically to ensure it becomes tender.
7. Finalizing the soup: Once the meat is well cooked, add the peas. Boil everything together for 15 minutes. The peas will add a sweet note and a pleasant texture to your soup.
8. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the fresh parsley and dill leaves. These herbs will bring a touch of freshness and color to your soup. You can serve the soup plain or with a spoonful of sour cream for an even creamier taste. It’s delicious both warm and at room temperature.
Practical tips:
- Choosing the meat: For a leaner soup, opt for beef from the muscle or thigh. Avoid meat with a lot of fat.
- Vegetables: You can experiment with vegetables depending on your preferences. Adding potatoes or zucchini can provide a different texture and unique flavor.
- Spices: If you like a more intense flavor, you can also add a bay leaf at the beginning of cooking. Don’t forget to remove it before serving.
- Variations: You can turn the beef soup into a spicier version by adding hot peppers or chili sauce. Additionally, adding tomatoes in broth can provide a pleasant acidity.
Nutritional benefits:
Beef soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Beef provides iron, essential for blood formation, while vegetables are full of fiber, aiding digestion. This recipe is a healthy option for a balanced meal, considering its low fat content.
Calories:
A serving of beef soup has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy a nutritious dish without adding too many calories.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can replace beef with chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.
2. How can I store the soup? The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can freeze portions to have on hand during busy days.
3. What can I add for extra flavor? Wine vinegar or lemon juice can add a refreshing taste and pleasant acidity to the soup.
Serving suggestions:
This beef soup pairs perfectly with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread or polenta. A cold drink, such as fruit compote or lemonade, will ideally complete the meal.
Beef soup is a recipe that not only reminds us of family meals but also brings joy with every spoonful. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it according to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500g beef (I used boneless) 2 carrots 1 celery 1 parsnip 1 parsley (root) 1 leek 1 bell pepper 1 large onion 300g peas (frozen) 50ml oil Parsley leaves Dill leaves 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried tarragon Pepper Salt
