Hearty beef and vegetable soup
Introduction
Soup is a comforting and nourishing meal that warms us up from the inside out. From thick and creamy chowders to clear and delicate broths, soup comes in many forms and flavors. And when it comes to hearty and filling soups, beef and vegetables are a winning combination. In this recipe, we will guide you through making a delicious and satisfying beef and vegetable soup that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Saute the vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the broth and seasonings
Add the beef broth, bay leaves, and thyme to the pot. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the potatoes
Add the chopped potatoes to the pot and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Add the peas and beef
Add the frozen peas and reserved beef to the pot. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors have melded together.
Step 6: Season and serve
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot with crusty bread on the side.
Variations
- For a heartier soup, add barley or quinoa to the pot along with the vegetables.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes, to add even more flavor and nutrition.
- If you don't have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Conclusion
This hearty beef and vegetable soup is a comfort food classic that is perfect for any time of year. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. Whether you're making a batch for your family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a healthy and satisfying choice that everyone will love. So grab a bowl, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade soup.