Beef soup with vegetables and zucchini

Beef soup with vegetables and zucchini – A comforting and flavorful recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Beef soup with vegetables and zucchini is a traditional dish that brings together the enticing flavors of fresh vegetables and the delight of beef. This recipe will not only warm your soul but also add a touch of comfort on cool days.

A bit of history

Soup has a rich history, used for centuries in various cultures to bring the entire family together around the table. This version of beef soup, with a delicious combination of vegetables, is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a nourishing and nutrient-rich meal.

Ingredients

- 300 grams of beef (cubed for soup)
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1 large carrot
- 1 leek
- A small bunch of cauliflower
- 1 stalk of celery
- 1 large onion
- 2 large bell peppers
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 small can of tomato paste
- Olive oil (a few tablespoons)
- 1-2 teaspoons of tarragon (to taste)
- 1 bunch of parsley (dried or fresh)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar (optional, for a tangy flavor)
- To serve: sour cream, pickled hot peppers, onion

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the vegetables. Cut the zucchinis into cubes, the carrot, onion, and bell peppers into small pieces, and slice the leek and celery. The cauliflower can be broken into small florets.

2. Sautéing the vegetables: In a large pot, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and place it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef and let it brown for 5-7 minutes. Then add the onion, garlic, carrot, leek, and celery. Mix well and let the vegetables sauté with the meat for another 5-10 minutes, until they release their flavors.

3. Adding water and tomato paste: After the vegetables have begun to soften, add hot water to fill the pot. Add the tomato paste and mix well. Cover the pot with a lid and let the soup simmer on low heat for about 35 minutes.

4. Finalizing the soup: 10 minutes before the cooking time is up, add the diced zucchinis, cauliflower, and tarragon. Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, and if you like a tangier flavor, you can add the vinegar. Don't forget to add the chopped parsley, either fresh or dried.

5. Serving the soup: When the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. It is delicious hot, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream, a few slices of fresh onion, and for those who love spice, pickled hot peppers.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Opt for beef with moderate fat content, which will give the soup a richer flavor. Cuts like the neck or chuck are excellent for soups.
- Seasonal vegetables: Use fresh seasonal vegetables for a tastier soup. You can also experiment with other vegetables, such as pumpkin or potatoes.
- Variations: You can transform this recipe into beef soup with noodles by adding some noodles (preferably egg noodles) in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, dried is a good alternative, but add it at the end of cooking to retain its aroma.

Nutritional information

This soup is an excellent source of protein due to the beef and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Each serving has approximately:

- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- How can I make the soup spicier? Add a little fresh chili or chili flakes during cooking.
- Can I freeze the leftover soup? Yes, this soup can be easily frozen, but it is recommended not to add sour cream before freezing.

Pairing with other dishes

This soup pairs excellently with fresh homemade bread or seasoned croutons. Additionally, a dry white wine or a light beer can perfectly complement the meal.

Personal note

For a personal twist, I recommend adding a few slices of roasted peppers to the soup, which will bring a wonderful smoky flavor. Also, if you have a garlic parsley recipe, you can use it as a topping for an enriched taste.

In conclusion, beef soup with vegetables and zucchini is not only an excellent choice for family meals, but it is also an opportunity to experiment with ingredients and create something truly special. So embrace this recipe and enjoy the comfort it brings to your life! Bon appétit!