Vegetables Beef Soup

Vegetable beef soup is a timeless classic, a warm embrace on a cold day, and a wholesome meal that nourishes both body and soul. Packed with tender chunks of beef, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is a testament to the simple joys of home-cooked comfort food. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a journey through crafting the perfect pot of vegetable beef soup, from selecting the finest ingredients to simmering it to perfection. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of simmering soup and relish in the comfort of each spoonful.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 pound of beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cubed beef stew meat and brown it on all sides. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

4. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water. Stir to combine.
5. Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced potatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), frozen green beans, and frozen corn to the pot.
6. Season the soup with 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and add the bay leaf.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

7. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking. Stir occasionally.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

9. Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
10. Ladle the hot vegetable beef soup into bowls. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips for a Perfect Vegetable Beef Soup:

• Choose Quality Beef: Use well-marbled stew meat for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Layer Flavors: Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics create layers of flavor in the soup.
• Adjust the Veggies: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Simmer Slowly: A slow, gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

 

Vegetable beef soup is more than a meal; it’s a comforting experience that warms the heart and soothes the soul. Armed with this comprehensive guide and a pot full of wholesome ingredients, you’re now equipped to create a bowl of vegetable beef soup that’s nothing short of perfection. Share this delicious and nourishing dish with loved ones, and savor the joy of a warm, hearty bowl of comfort. Enjoy!