Rustic beef soup

Country Beef Soup

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

Country beef soup is a traditional dish full of flavors that evokes memories of hearty family meals. This comforting soup is a perfect combination of fresh vegetables and succulent meat that will delight your senses. I will share my version, adapted to our tastes, so you can enjoy every spoonful to the fullest.

History of Country Soup

Country soup is part of a rich culinary tradition, prepared in many corners of the world with various ingredients, but always maintaining its essence: a mix of vegetables and meat, simmered slowly to allow the flavors to develop. It is a symbol of hospitality, often served at festive meals, but also on ordinary days when we want to warm our souls.

Ingredients

- 2-3 small beef bones (with meat on them)
- 1 large onion
- 1 large carrot
- 1 large bell pepper (preferably red for extra color)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 handful of green beans (pods)
- 1/4 cabbage (fideluta)
- Salt, pepper, vegeta (beef flavored)
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste (or tomato puree)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 200 g sour cream (for serving)
- Vinegar (to taste)
- 1 bunch of parsley (or celery – leaves)
- Tarragon, dill (optional, for a more aromatic flavor)

Preparation Technique

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Wash the tomatoes, potatoes, and cabbage well. Cut the tomatoes into cubes, the potatoes into small cubes, and the cabbage into thin strips. The green beans can be broken into 3-4 cm pieces.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, add the olive oil and sauté the onion, carrot, and bell pepper over low heat. It is important not to burn them – you want them to soften and release their flavors, not become crispy. After about 5-7 minutes, add the chopped tomatoes and let everything sauté for another 5 minutes.

3. Boil the bones: Add the beef bones to the pot, then fill with water (about 2 liters). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 30-40 minutes, skimming off the foam that forms on the surface.

4. Add the vegetables: After the bones have boiled, add the potatoes, cabbage, and green beans. Continue to simmer everything for 20-25 minutes or until all the vegetables are cooked but not mushy.

5. Finalize the soup: Remove the bones from the pot and let them cool slightly. Remove the meat from the bones, cutting it into smaller pieces and adding it to the soup. Add the tomato paste and season with salt, pepper, and vegeta to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

6. Serving: Turn off the heat and add the sour cream, stirring well to incorporate it. You can sour the soup with vinegar to your preference. Sprinkle chopped parsley and, if you like, tarragon or dill for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Country beef soup is delicious served hot, alongside a slice of fresh bread or polenta. You can accompany it with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice, which will perfectly complement the rich taste of the soup.

Nutritional Benefits

This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious. The beef bones provide collagen, important for joints, while the vegetables bring a good amount of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the fiber content from the vegetables aids digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using chicken, but the cooking time will be shorter.

2. How can I make the soup more sour?
If you prefer a sourer soup, you can use more vinegar or add lemon juice.

3. What variations are possible for the recipe?
You can experiment with various vegetables, such as zucchini or celery, or add spices like cumin for a different flavor.

4. How long can it be stored?
The soup keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days. It can be frozen, but the texture of the vegetables may suffer.

Personal Note

Country beef soup is a recipe that improves every time you make it, each ingredient bringing its own character. I encourage you to adapt it to your tastes and serve it with love to your dear ones. Every spoonful is an invitation to story, tradition, and unforgettable moments spent together.

I wish you happy cooking and bon appétit!