Beef soup

Beef soup is a traditional recipe, full of flavors and simplicity, evoking family memories and moments spent around the table. This comforting dish is not only tasty but also nutritious, making it perfect for cool days or to bring a smile to the faces of loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients

- 600 g beef (ideal cuts are from the shoulder or neck, which become tender when boiled)
- 1 - 2 medium onions (yellow onion is the most common, but you can experiment with red onion)
- 1 celery (root and leaves)
- 1 carrot (choose a sweet and well-ripened one for a richer taste)
- 1 parsnip (adds a unique aroma to the soup)
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for added color)
- 2 - 3 ripe tomatoes or 300 ml tomato juice (fresh tomatoes add a vibrant taste)
- 1 cup of rice (preferably short-grain, to thicken the soup)
- salt, to taste
- 2 - 3 tablespoons of sunflower or olive oil (for a richer flavor)
- 1 - 2 eggs (for added creaminess)
- 1 - 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (helps balance the taste)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the beef under cold running water. Cut it into suitable cubes, about 3-4 cm. This will ensure even cooking.

2. Initial boiling: Place the meat cubes in a large pot with cold water. Put the pot on medium heat and wait for it to reach boiling point. Once the water starts to boil, foam will form on the surface. This is a combination of impurities and proteins. Use a skimmer to remove the foam.

3. Washing the meat: After removing the foam, take the meat cubes out of the pot, rinse them under cold water, and discard the boiling water. This step helps achieve a clearer and less fatty soup.

4. Boiling the meat in clean water: Put the meat back in the pot, add 2-3 tablespoons of oil, and cover with fresh water. Cover the pot with a lid and let it boil over medium heat. Check occasionally, stirring gently to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the vegetables: When the meat is half cooked (about 30 minutes), peel and chop the vegetables: onion, celery, carrot, parsnip, and bell pepper. You can choose to grate them for better integration into the soup. Add the chopped vegetables to the pot and continue boiling everything covered.

6. Adding the rice: After the vegetables are cooked (about 15-20 minutes), wash the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. Add the rice to the pot and let it boil for 10 minutes. It will absorb the flavors and add consistency to the soup.

7. Tomatoes: Now it's time to add the peeled and diced tomatoes or tomato juice. Adjust the salt to taste and let it boil for another 5 minutes for the flavors to blend.

8. Finalizing the soup: Beat the eggs in a small bowl with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. This step will help emulsify the eggs, giving a creamy texture to the soup. Start pouring the beaten eggs into the soup while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

9. Adding herbs: The last step is to add the finely chopped celery leaves. They will add an extra layer of flavor and freshness. Cover the pot and let the soup sit for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Serving suggestion

Beef soup is served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can add a teaspoon of sour cream on top for extra creaminess and richer flavor. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine can perfectly complement the meal.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This soup is not only delicious but also healthy. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and eggs used. It is an excellent source of protein from the meat, carbohydrates from the rice, and plenty of vitamins from the vegetables.

Variations

- Beef soup with tarragon: If you want to experiment, you can add fresh tarragon leaves at the end for a distinctive taste.
- Spicy soup: Add a finely chopped hot pepper during the boiling of the vegetables for a spicy note.
- Vegetarian soup: You can replace the meat with protein-rich vegetables like lentils or chickpeas and use water or vegetable broth as a base.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken soup is just as tasty and cooks in a shorter time since chicken meat cooks faster.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
You can add more tablespoons of vinegar or use lemon juice at the end.

3. What other side dishes go well with beef soup?
A simple summer salad or a cheese tart are excellent combinations.

Beef soup is more than just a recipe; it is an experience, a story, an opportunity for reunion. Each spoonful brings with it family memories and moments of joy. Don't hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family, as the joy of cooking and savoring together is what transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

 Ingredients: 600 g of beef, 1 - 2 medium onions, celery root and leaves, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip, 1 bell pepper, 2 - 3 ripe tomatoes or tomato juice, 1 cup of rice, salt, 2 - 3 tablespoons of oil, 1 - 2 eggs, 1 - 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar