Beef soup

Beef Soup - A Comforting Delight

Beef soup is a traditional recipe that brings together the rich flavors of beef and fresh vegetables. It is a comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a hearty and nourishing meal. This soup has a long history and is a symbol of hospitality, often served at festive meals or family gatherings.

In this recipe, you will discover how to make a delicious beef soup with fluffy dumplings, a dish that is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones. Let's get started!

Total preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 piece of veal neck (approximately 500 g)
- 1 piece of veal bone (for extra flavor)
- 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 piece of root parsley (peeled and diced)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- ½ piece of celery (peeled and diced)
- 2-3 tablespoons of pepper paste (for an intense flavor)
- 1 egg (for dumplings)
- 150 g of flour (for dumplings)
- 2-3 tablespoons of oil (for sautéing the vegetables)
- Fresh parsley leaves (for decoration and flavor)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the meat
Start by placing the beef and veal bone in a large pot. Add cold water (approximately 2 liters) and bring to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface - this is an important step, as you need to remove impurities. Use a skimmer to remove the foam.

Step 2: Boiling the meat
After skimming the soup, let the meat simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, or until it becomes tender. Once the meat is boiled, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly, then cut it into small pieces.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables
In the same pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and sauté the finely chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes transparent. Then, add the diced carrots, celery, and parsley. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
After the vegetables have softened, add the cut meat and fill the pot with the strained soup (approximately 1.5 liters). Let it boil for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked but still crunchy.

Step 5: Adding the pepper paste
When the vegetables are ready, add the pepper paste to the soup and mix well. This will add a deep flavor and vibrant color, transforming the soup into something truly special.

Step 6: Preparing the dumplings
In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Gradually add the flour, mixing until you achieve a smooth, moldable dough. Use a spoon to take small portions of the dough and add them to the soup. Let the dumplings boil for 5-10 minutes, or until they become fluffy and rise to the surface.

Step 7: Finalizing the soup
After the dumplings are ready, take the soup off the heat and add the finely chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The beef soup is now ready to be enjoyed!

Serving
It is recommended to serve the beef soup hot, topped with a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy and refined touch. You can accompany the soup with fresh bread or polenta, and a green salad will perfectly complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- For an even richer taste, you can add a few peppercorns or bay leaves during the meat boiling.
- For a lighter version, you can use pre-cooked beef or even chicken.
- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, depending on your preferences.
- Calorie count: A serving of beef soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This is a nourishing choice, rich in protein and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I make beef soup in advance?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. The flavor will intensify after sitting in the fridge overnight.

2. How can I adapt the recipe to make it easier?
Use pre-cooked beef or opt for a high-quality beef broth to save time.

3. What other recipes can I try?
You can also try a vegetable soup or chicken soup, which are equally comforting and full of flavor.

Beef soup is more than just a meal; it is a culinary experience that brings grandparents and parents back to the family table. So dare to prepare it and share it with your loved ones! With every spoonful, you will feel the warmth and love in every ingredient. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 piece veal neck, 1 piece veal bone, 2 carrots, 1 piece parsley, 1 piece onion, half a piece of celery, pepper paste, parsley leaves, 1 egg, flour, oil