Beef soup

Beef soup is one of those dishes that reminds us of family meals, the warmth of home, and the love that goes into every spoonful. This traditional recipe, with deep roots in culinary history, is an excellent choice for chilly days or for moments when we want to indulge in a comforting dish. It offers not only an explosion of flavors but also a wealth of nutritional benefits, thanks to the fresh vegetables and beef.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:
- 500 g beef shank or meat bones
- 1 large carrot
- 1 piece of celery
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for color contrast)
- 1 large onion
- 1 zucchini
- 3-4 potatoes
- 2-3 ripe tomatoes
- 500 ml borscht or magic borscht
- 2 beef Delikat cubes (or another type of seasoning to enhance flavor)
- 2 eggs
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- A bunch of fresh lovage

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the beef well under cold running water. Cut it into medium-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly. This step not only removes impurities but also helps achieve a clearer soup.

2. Initial boiling: Place the meat in a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, then discard the water and wash the meat again. This is an essential trick that will make your soup much tastier and less greasy.

3. Adding the vegetables: Fill the pot with water again (about 2 liters) and add the meat. When the meat is halfway cooked, add the finely chopped onion, carrot, celery, and diced bell pepper. These vegetables will not only add flavor but also a wonderful texture to your soup.

4. Continuing to boil: After about 20 minutes of boiling, add the diced potatoes and sliced or chopped zucchini. The tomatoes can be added either grated or peeled and diced. They will give the soup a pleasant acidity.

5. Seasoning: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the borscht, salt, and pepper to taste. You can adjust the amount of borscht depending on how sour you prefer your soup. Add the Delikat beef cubes and tomato paste, mixing well.

6. Finishing the soup: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and gradually add them to the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Finally, add the finely chopped lovage for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

7. Serving: The beef soup is served hot, with a teaspoon of sour cream and, if you like, with hot peppers for a touch of spice. It’s a perfect combination that will delight your taste buds.

Practical tips:
- Choose meat with a moderate fat content to achieve a tastier but not overly greasy soup.
- If you prefer a sourer soup, you can also add a little white wine vinegar instead of borscht.
- The beef soup can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, and the flavor will intensify as it cools.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as peas or green beans, depending on your preferences.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, but the cooking time will be considerably reduced.
- How much salt should I use? It's best to add salt gradually and taste, so you achieve the desired flavors.
- Is this soup healthy? Yes, it contains plenty of vegetables and proteins, making it a nutritious choice.

Nutritional benefits:
Beef soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to the meat and vegetables. Carrots and bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin A, while tomatoes provide valuable antioxidants like lycopene.

Possible variations:
To give it a personal touch, you can add spices like sweet or hot paprika, thyme, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a more complex flavor. You can also experiment with different types of vegetables, depending on the season and availability.

Beef soup is not just a dish; it's a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. Enjoy every serving and savor the flavors and memories it brings!

 Ingredients: a beef shank or any other bones and meat you desire, 1 large carrot, a piece of celery, 2 bell peppers, 1 large onion, 1 zucchini, 3-4 potatoes, 2-3 ripe tomatoes, 500 ml of borscht or magic borscht, 2 beef bouillon cubes, 2 eggs, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of broth, a bunch of lovage

 Tags:  soup beef shank vegetables