Homemade noodle soup

Beef Shank Soup with Homemade Noodles

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

In a world full of sophisticated recipes, sometimes the simplest dishes bring us the most joy. Beef shank soup with homemade noodles is a perfect example of culinary comfort, a traditional dish that makes us feel at home, no matter where we are. This soup, rich in flavors and textures, promises to be a feast for the senses. So, let’s embark on a journey into the gastronomic universe of beef shank soup!

Ingredients

For the soup:
- 500 g beef shank
- 2 carrots
- 1 onion
- 1 small celery root
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 parsnip
- a few tablespoons of oil (depending on the fat content of the meat)
- salt to taste
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley

For the noodles:
- 1 whole egg
- flour as needed (approximately 5-6 tablespoons)
- salt

The Story of the Recipe

Beef shank soup is a recipe that has been passed down through generations, with each family having its own version. It is a dish that brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, capturing the essence of comfort and the warmth of home. The homemade noodles, a true symbol of traditional cooking, add a personal and authentic touch to this dish.

Step by Step: Preparing the Soup

1. Preparing the meat: Start by washing the beef shank thoroughly in cold water. This step is essential to remove impurities and achieve a clear, tasty broth.

2. Boiling the meat: Place the meat in a large pot and add 3 liters of water. Put it over medium heat and wait for it to come to a boil. Once the soup starts boiling, you will notice foam forming on the surface. This should be constantly skimmed off with a ladle to obtain a clean broth.

3. Adding the vegetables: After skimming off the foam, add the cleaned and washed vegetables (carrots, onion, celery, bell pepper, and parsnip) whole. These will add a delicious taste to the soup. Add a pinch of salt and a few tablespoons of oil, adjusting the amount based on the fat content of the meat. Let everything simmer on low heat, covered, for about 45 minutes.

Preparing the Homemade Noodles

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, beat the egg with a pinch of salt. Then gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until you obtain a pliable dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. Be careful: the dough should not be too stiff!

2. Rolling out the dough: Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough as thin as possible on a floured surface. This step is crucial for achieving thin and delicate noodles.

3. Cutting the noodles: Dust the sheet with flour, then cut it lengthwise into two or four strips, depending on your preference. Using a sharp knife (like a bread knife), cut the noodles into thin strips. Spread them out on the counter to dry a little.

Finalizing the Soup

1. Straining the soup: Once the vegetables and meat are cooked, remove them from the soup. Strain the broth to eliminate any residue.

2. Boiling the noodles: Return the strained broth to the pot and add the noodles. Let them boil for 5-7 minutes or until they become tender and delicate.

3. Serving: Add the chopped fresh parsley to the soup for a fresh note. Serve hot, with a slice of fresh bread on the side, and enjoy the flavors that will delight your taste buds!

Useful Tips

- Vegetable variations: You can experiment with other seasonal vegetables, such as zucchini or cauliflower, to achieve different flavors.
- Cook in advance: The soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will intensify, and the broth will become even tastier.
- Egg noodles: If you want to make the noodles more tender, add another egg to the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why should we wash the meat?: Washing the meat helps remove impurities and blood, leading to a clearer broth.
- How long can I store the soup?: The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for later consumption.

Delicious Pairings

This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a herbal tea. Additionally, a summer salad with fresh vegetables can complement the meal, providing a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

Beef shank soup is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals due to the vegetables used. It is a nourishing dish, perfect for chilly days or for recovery after an illness. The homemade noodles add healthy carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day.

Personal Note

I would like to share a personal memory related to this soup. I remember how, as a child, my mother would gather us all around the table on Sundays with a big pot of steaming soup in the middle. Those simple yet loving moments created bonds and memories that last a lifetime. I hope this recipe brings the same joy and warmth to your homes!

Enjoy your meal!