Beef soup

Beef Soup with Vegetables - a traditional and comforting recipe

Beef soup is an iconic dish, loved in many cultures for its rich flavors and for bringing together a combination of healthy ingredients. This recipe is perfect for a chilly day, providing warmth and comfort in every bowl.

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 40 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Ingredients
- 500 g beef with bone (choose a piece with a little fat for a richer taste)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 bell pepper (preferably red or yellow for extra color)
- 1 piece of celery root (about 100 g)
- 1 piece of parsley root (about 100 g)
- 1/2 zucchini
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 2 medium potatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 packet of dried celery (optional, for added flavor)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preparing the meat:
Start by washing the beef well under cold running water. This will help remove impurities and make the broth clearer. Place the meat in a pressure cooker and add cold water, ensuring it is completely covered. Add a tablespoon of salt to enhance the flavor. Close the lid and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 50 minutes.

2. Preparing the vegetables:
In the meantime, you can prepare the vegetables. Chop the onion, carrot, and bell pepper into small cubes. These will add sweetness and texture to the soup. Cut the celery and parsley roots into smaller cubes for even cooking. Place the chopped vegetables in a bowl.

3. Adding the vegetables to the pot:
After the meat has simmered for 50 minutes, carefully open the pressure cooker. Add the chopped vegetables (onion, carrot, bell pepper, celery, and parsley) to the pot. Let it simmer together for 30 minutes.

4. Adding the final ingredients:
After 30 minutes, chop the tomatoes, zucchini, and potatoes into cubes. Add them to the pot, along with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer until the potatoes are fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes.

5. Finishing the soup:
Finally, you can add the packet of dried celery for extra flavor. Stir well and let it cook for a few more minutes. Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

6. Serving:
Serve the soup hot, with hot peppers and a splash of pepper vinegar, which will add a tangy note and enhance the flavors. You can use fresh bread or polenta as a side dish.

Useful Tips
- Choosing the meat: Opt for beef with bone, as the bones will add a deep flavor to the soups. You can also use boneless beef, but the flavor will be less intense.
- Vegetarian option: If you want to turn this recipe into a vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or protein-rich vegetables like lentils.
- Storing the soup: Beef soup keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavor gets even better the next day. You can freeze individual portions to enjoy later.

Nutritional Values (per serving)
- Calories: approximately 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! You can experiment with pumpkin, carrots, or even peas, depending on your preferences.
- How salty should the soup be? Taste is subjective, so it's best to add salt gradually to avoid an overly salty soup.
- How can I make the soup spicier? You can add fresh hot peppers or chili flakes, depending on how spicy you like it.

Pairings and Serving
Beef soup pairs perfectly with a slice of homemade bread, a portion of warm polenta, or even natural yogurt, which complements the rich taste. Additionally, a glass of red wine will harmonize excellently with the soup's flavors.

A Personal Note
This beef soup recipe reminds me of family meals from my childhood when we would all gather around the table, enjoying the warm and comforting flavors. Each bowl of soup brings with it beautiful memories and life stories, so I wish you to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen recreating this delicious recipe.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to grab the ingredients and start cooking! The beef soup is ready to bring a smile to your face and delight your taste buds. Enjoy your meal!