Veal soup with spinach, rice, and olives

Veal soup with spinach, rice, and olives – a healthy, quick, and flavorful dish. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also bring to your table a mix of ingredients that combine health with delicate flavors. Whether you prepare it for a family meal or to indulge yourself after a long day, this soup will pleasantly surprise you with its simplicity and taste.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g veal (cut into cubes)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (sliced or grated)
- 5 tablespoons rice (you can use risotto rice or basmati rice)
- 500 g spinach (cooked or frozen)
- 100 g olives (preferably green, but you can also use black olives)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Water (approximately 1.5 liters, depending on desired consistency)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and cleaning all the ingredients. Cut the veal into suitable cubes, the onion into small cubes, and the carrot into slices or grate it. If using frozen spinach, it’s best to let it thaw in advance.

2. Sautéing the onion and meat: In a large pot, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the veal cubes and carrot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the meat changes color.

3. Boiling the meat: Add water (approximately 1.5 liters) to the pot and bring to a boil. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat is tender.

4. Adding the rice: Once the meat is almost cooked, add the rice to the soup. Stir well and add salt to taste. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, and add extra water if necessary. The rice will absorb the liquid, so make sure the soup remains moist.

5. Finishing the soup: About 5-7 minutes before turning off the heat, add the cooked or frozen spinach, minced garlic, and olives. If you haven’t sautéed the onion, now is the time to add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil for extra flavor.

6. Serving: Let the soup simmer together for a few more minutes until the rice is fully cooked. Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. You can add extra olives and a drizzle of olive oil when serving for an appealing look.

My tip:

For an extra flavor boost, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or dill near the end of cooking. Also, a squeeze of lemon juice when serving will enhance the flavors and add a touch of freshness.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. One serving (approximately 250 ml) contains about 250 calories. It is rich in protein due to the veal and rice, while spinach provides a significant amount of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (iron, calcium). Olives add healthy fats and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I use other types of meat?
Sure! You can substitute veal with chicken or turkey, and the meat broth will add a different flavor.

Can this soup be made vegan?
Yes, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of water, adding vegetables like carrots, celery, and zucchini for extra flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of toasted whole-grain bread or seasoned croutons. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine will perfectly complement the meal.

Pilaf variant:

If you prefer a heartier version, you can turn this soup into a pilaf by allowing the liquid to reduce. Cook the rice in the soup until it absorbs almost all the liquid, then add the olives and spinach, stirring well. This version is ideal for a more filling meal and can be served as a main course.

A personal note:

I created this recipe inspired by culinary traditions but adapted to a modern lifestyle. It’s a soup that will not only bring you comfort but also joy in every bite. I am happy to share this simple yet flavorful recipe with you, which will transform your meal into a memorable experience. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: slices of veal, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon of garlic, 1 carrot cut into pieces or grated, 5 tablespoons of rice, 500 g of cooked or frozen spinach, olives, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt

 Tags:  beef soup