Beef soup with dumplings
Beef soup with dumplings - a classic recipe for the soul
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8
Beef soup with dumplings is one of those dishes that embraces your soul and transports you to simpler times, filled with warmth and comfort. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing hospitality and family meals. I invite you to discover how to prepare this delicious delicacy, full of flavors and textures.
Necessary ingredients:
*For the soup:*
- 2 beef shanks (about 1.5 kg)
- 5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium onions, halved
- 1 small celery, diced
- 2 parsley or parsnip roots, peeled and chopped
- 4 large potatoes, halved or cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Enough water to cover the meat and vegetables
*For the dumplings:*
- 2 eggs
- 8-10 tablespoons of semolina (depending on the desired consistency)
- A pinch of salt
The passion for cooking:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on a clean countertop. This is a recipe that requires a little patience, but the final result is worth every minute. Cook with love and passion, and the taste will reflect that!
Step by step:
1. Preparing the meat: In a large pot, add the beef shanks and fill with cold water to cover the meat well. Place the pot over high heat. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and begin to skim off the foam that forms on the surface with a ladle. This is essential for obtaining a clear and tasty soup.
2. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is almost cooked (about 40-50 minutes), add the carrots, onion, celery, parsley, and parsnip. These vegetables will provide a rich, flavorful taste. Let it simmer together for 15-20 minutes.
3. The potatoes: After the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the chopped potatoes. They will add extra consistency to the soup. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally add the bay leaf for extra flavor. Let the soup boil for 10 minutes.
4. Straining the soup: When all the ingredients are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and strain the soup, keeping only the liquid. The meat can be cut into pieces and served alongside the boiled vegetables.
5. Preparing the dumplings: In a bowl, whisk the eggs well with a whisk or mixer until frothy. Gradually add the semolina, stirring continuously. The consistency should be slightly thicker, but not too firm. If it's too soft, add a little more semolina.
6. Boiling the dumplings: Bring the soup back to a gentle boil over low heat. Using a teaspoon, scoop the dumpling mixture and drop it into the gently boiling soup. Continue until you finish the mixture. When the dumplings start to boil, add a large cup of cold water, cover with a lid, and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes until they puff up and become fluffy.
7. Serving: Once the dumplings are ready, serve the hot soup with pieces of meat and vegetables, and don’t forget to add a spoonful of sour cream if you like. The dumplings are delicious, and the soup offers a comforting flavor, perfect for chilly days.
Useful tips:
- If the soup is too greasy, you can let it cool and remove the fat from the surface.
- You can add various herbs, such as thyme or dill, for an even fresher taste.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms and seasonal vegetables for a rich and nutritious soup.
Personal variation: An interesting suggestion is to serve the soup with a beetroot and horseradish salad for a contrast of flavors. Additionally, beef soup with dumplings pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine, which will wonderfully complement the meal.
Nutritional benefits: This soup is full of protein from the beef, rich in iron and B vitamins. The vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy diet.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can dumplings be frozen? Preferably, dumplings should not be frozen as they lose their texture. It’s better to prepare them fresh.
- Can I use another type of meat? Of course! You can experiment with chicken or pork, but the cooking time will vary.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little cayenne pepper or chili for a spicier taste.
Beef soup with dumplings is more than just a meal; it is an experience that brings family, memories, and traditions together. So embrace every step of the preparation and enjoy every spoonful!
Ingredients: 2 medium beef shanks, 5 medium carrots, 2 medium onions, 1 small celery, 2 parsley/root parsnips, 4 large potatoes, salt and pepper to taste. For dumplings: 2 eggs, 8-10 tablespoons semolina.
