Beef soup

Beef soup is one of those classic recipes that brings with it pleasant memories, inviting aromas, and smiles at the table. This dish is not just a soup, but a culinary experience that combines rich flavors and aromas, perfect for cool days or for moments when you want to indulge in something warm and comforting. Let’s discover together how to prepare a delicious beef soup, step by step!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 6

Ingredients
- 500 g beef (preferably beef steak)
- 4 small carrots
- 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green, according to preference)
- 2 onions
- 3 medium potatoes
- 200 ml tomato juice (preferably homemade)
- 100 g peas (canned)
- 100 g green beans (canned)
- Lovage (fresh or frozen)
- 1 liter of water
- Delikat/salt, to taste
- Borscht, for souring (optional)

Brief History
Beef soup is a traditional dish in many cultures, known by various names and prepared with specific ingredients from each region. This is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to personal preferences and available ingredients. Soup has always been a cherished dish for its rich flavor and for how it brings people together at the table.

Step by Step for a Perfect Beef Soup

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the beef into medium-sized cubes. It’s important to choose quality meat that cooks quickly and remains tender. Place the meat in a large pot with 1 liter of water and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, skim off the impurities with a ladle. Let it boil for about an hour.

2. Cleaning and chopping the vegetables: Meanwhile, clean and wash the vegetables. Cut the carrots into thin rounds, the bell pepper into cubes, and the onion into julienne. The potatoes are cut into cubes. These vegetables not only add flavor but also create a pleasant texture in the soup.

3. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is almost cooked, add the chopped vegetables (carrots, onion, bell pepper, and potatoes) to the pot. Let them boil together for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Peas and green beans: Finally, add the canned peas and green beans. They are already cooked, so they don’t require a long boiling time. Mix well and let everything boil for 5 minutes.

5. Flavoring the soup: Add the homemade tomato juice to give the soup a rich and tangy taste. Let it boil for another 5 minutes, then adjust the salt, and if you like, add a bit of borscht for a sour taste.

6. Finishing the dish: Finally, add the finely chopped lovage (if using frozen lovage, remember to thaw it beforehand). This will add a fresh note to your soup.

Chef's Tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add a crushed garlic clove in the last minutes of cooking. Also, if you don’t have fresh lovage, you can use a teaspoon of dried lovage, but the taste won’t be as vibrant.

Possible Variations
- You can also add other vegetables like celery or zucchini, depending on your preferences.
- For a spicier version, add a bit of hot pepper, either fresh or dried.
- Instead of borscht, you can use lemon juice to give a tangy note.

Nutritional Information
Beef soup is a nutritious meal, rich in protein due to the beef, but also full of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It can contain about 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the exact quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, chicken soup is a delicious alternative, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- How can I store leftover soup? The soup can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days or can be frozen for later consumption.
- What side dish goes best? This soup can be served with fresh bread or polenta for a complete and comforting meal.

Serving
Serve the beef soup hot, with a slice of lemon on the side for those who want an extra sour taste. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to put this delicious beef soup recipe into action. Enjoy every step of the preparation and, above all, every spoonful of this delicacy!

 Ingredients: 500 g beef, 4 carrots, 2 bell peppers, 2 onions, 3 potatoes, 200 ml tomato juice, 100 g peas, 100 g green beans, garlic, salt, borscht.