BEEF SOUP

Beef Soup - A classic, comforting recipe full of flavors

It's hard not to fall in love with a steaming bowl of beef soup, filled with fresh vegetables and aromas that delight your senses. This recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a part of culinary tradition, a symbol of family meals that bring people together. Beef soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends. I will show you how to make a delicious beef soup, step by step, with useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of veal (preferably beef for a richer flavor)
- 2 large onions
- 2 carrots
- 2 bell peppers (preferably one red and one green for color)
- 200 g of peas (can be frozen)
- 150 g of corn (canned or frozen)
- 5-6 tablespoons of tomato paste
- lemon salt (to taste)
- 5 tablespoons of seasoning (or other soup spice)
- 1 celery (about 300 g)
- A bunch of fresh parsley
- 10 potatoes
- A little oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt (to taste)

Steps for preparation:

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cutting the veal into cubes of about 2-3 cm. This will help it cook evenly. Place the meat in a large pot with cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. To achieve a clearer soup, it is important to change the first water in which the meat boils. This will remove impurities.

2. Boiling the meat: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the meat simmer for about 1 hour. Now it's time to prepare the vegetables!

3. Preparing the vegetables: In the meantime, take the onion and chop it very finely. Cut the carrots and celery into small cubes, and chop the bell peppers into small pieces. In a pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and sauté the chopped onion for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then add the carrots, celery, and bell peppers and continue to sauté for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

4. Adding the vegetables to the soup: When the meat is almost cooked (around 40-50 minutes), add the sautéed vegetables to the pot with the meat. Make sure to mix well to distribute the flavors. At this point, you can also add the peas and corn.

5. Flavoring the soup: About 10-15 minutes before turning off the heat, add the tomato paste, seasoning, and a little lemon salt to sour the soup. The delicious sour notes will balance the flavors and add freshness to the soup.

6. Finalizing the dish: When the soup is ready, sprinkle the chopped parsley on top. This will not only add a vibrant color but also a fresh aroma.

7. Serving: Serve the soup hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or croutons. A hint of chili pepper or a little freshly ground pepper can elevate the soup to a whole new level of flavor.

Useful tips:
- For more tender meat: Add a teaspoon of stainless steel to the pot with the meat, helping it to cook faster and more evenly.
- Variations: You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or green beans, depending on your preferences or the season.
- Nutritional care: Beef soup is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals due to the fresh vegetables. Each serving has about 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use pork?: Yes, you can replace beef with pork, but the flavor will be different. Pork is fattier, so adjust the spices and cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I make the soup more sour?: You can add more lemon salt or use borscht for additional acidity.
3. Is the soup good for freezing?: Yes, beef soup can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add cream or other perishable ingredients before freezing.

This beef soup is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings warm memories and unforgettable moments. Whether it is your grandmother's recipe or a recent discovery, one thing is certain: a well-cooked beef soup will always work wonders at the table. So put on your apron, enjoy every step of the preparation, and savor the final delight of this warm and comforting soup!