Veal and vegetable soup

Veal soup with vegetables - An explosion of flavors and health

Veal soup with vegetables is a traditional dish, full of flavor and nutrients, that brings together the freshest and healthiest ingredients. This recipe is ideal for chilly days, offering not only culinary comfort but also a wealth of nutritional benefits. In the following, I will present step by step how to achieve a delicious soup that will be appreciated by the whole family.

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

Ingredients

- 500 g veal (choose young meat for a more tender texture)
- 3 large carrots (for sweetness and color)
- 1 medium celery root (full of aroma)
- 1 parsnip (for a slightly sweet taste)
- 1 parsley root (usually used for its leaves, but the root also adds a special flavor)
- 1 bell pepper (adds a touch of sweetness)
- 1 handful of green beans (for texture and crunch)
- 2-3 florets of cauliflower (a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable)
- 1 zucchini (for a delicate taste)
- 1 white onion (for an aromatic base)
- 1 garlic clove (for an extra flavor)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1 bunch of lovage (optional, but very aromatic)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 liter of borscht (an essential ingredient for acidity)
- 1 cup of tomato juice (for an extra flavor and color)

Preparation

1. Preparing the meat: Start by cleaning and cutting the veal into cubes of about 2-3 cm. Make sure to choose fresh, quality meat.

2. Cutting the vegetables: All vegetables, except for the onion and cauliflower, should be cut into cubes. The carrots, celery, parsnip, parsley root, and bell pepper should be cut into small cubes for even cooking.

3. Boiling the borscht: In a separate pot, boil the borscht for about 10 minutes, then strain it to remove impurities.

4. Boiling the meat: In a large pot, add the meat cubes and cover with cold water. Add salt to taste and boil over medium heat. Don’t forget to remove the foam that forms on the surface to achieve a clear and tasty soup.

5. Adding the vegetables: Once the meat is almost cooked (about 30 minutes), add the vegetables in the following order: carrots, celery, parsnip, bell pepper, green beans, onion, and garlic. Let them boil for 5 minutes.

6. Cauliflower and zucchini: After the 5 minutes, add the cauliflower, zucchini, and potatoes (if you choose to add them). Continue to boil the soup for 15-20 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.

7. Finalizing the soup: When the potatoes are cooked, add the tomato juice, lovage, parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, and if necessary, boil the soup for another 5-10 minutes.

8. Serving: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a spoonful of sour cream for a perfect taste.

Practical tips

- Choosing the meat: Opt for veal with little fat, as this will give the soup a richer flavor.
- Borscht: If you don’t have borscht, you can use lemon juice or vinegar to add acidity.
- Seasonal vegetables: Use seasonal vegetables to get the freshest and most flavorful ingredients.
- Vegetarian version: You can adapt the recipe using tofu or high-protein vegetables like lentils or chickpeas.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even pumpkin.
- How can I store the soup? The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for later consumption.
- What kind of bread goes well with it? A homemade bread or warm polenta are excellent accompaniments for this soup.

Nutritional benefits

Veal soup with vegetables is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Veal is rich in B vitamins, especially B12, essential for the health of the nervous system. The vegetables add fiber, antioxidants, and important nutrients that support the immune system and digestion.

Personal notes

This soup reminds me of my childhood when my mother lovingly prepared it for the whole family. The aroma that spread throughout the house was simply irresistible. I discovered that each ingredient can add a story and a tradition, turning a simple meal into a warm and loving memory.

Serving suggestions

Every time I prepare this soup, I like to serve it with a slice of freshly baked homemade bread, a drizzle of olive oil, and, of course, a glass of red wine. These combinations give it an even deeper flavor. Enjoy your meal!