As you take your first sip of vegetable beef soup, the rich aroma transports you back to a time when comfort food was more than just a meal, but a symbol of community and nourishment. With roots tracing back to medieval Europe’s hearty stews, it’s no wonder this beloved dish has evolved into a cultural staple. Now, you can create your own flavorful brew, packed with tender beef and fresh veggies, perfect for a chilly evening in with family and friends – and there’s more to discover about this comforting classic.

History

The rich aroma of simmering vegetables and tender beef has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries, evoking memories of comfort and warmth. As you dive into the history of vegetable beef soup, you’ll discover its humble Soup Origins. Hearty stews were a staple in medieval Europe, where peasants would simmer tough meat and scraps of vegetables in cauldrons over open fires. Over time, Cultural Evolution took hold, and different regions put their own spin on the recipe. You’ll find that vegetable beef soup has been a beloved comfort food across cultures, from the French pot-au-feu to the American beef stew. Each variation tells a story of resourcefulness, community, and the universal desire for nourishment and comfort.

Recipe

Vegetable Beef Soup is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can use a variety of vegetables and spices to create a unique flavor profile.

This recipe serves 6-8 people and can be made in under an hour. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and beef, making it a budget-friendly option.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, chopped
• 1 large can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook the beef stew meat in a large pot over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove the browned beef from the pot and set it aside. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.

Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the browned beef back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.

When serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. You can also serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for a filling meal.

The Full Ingredient List

You’ll need a variety of ingredients to make this hearty Vegetable Beef Soup. Be sure to check the list carefully, considering any allergen concerns or dietary restrictions. For instance, if you’re lactose intolerant, you can opt for non-dairy milk as a substitution option.

• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped

Cooking Steps

You’ll start by chopping one medium onion and dicing three stalks celery. Next, you’ll brown three slices of bacon in a large pot over medium-high heat. Then, you’ll add two cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute before moving on to the next step.

Step 1. Chop One Medium Onion

Chop the onion on a stable, clean surface, making sure your knife is sharp to minimize crumbling and tearing. Be careful, as the released enzymes can cause eye irritation. You may want to think about wearing goggles or glasses for protection. Once you’ve finished, take a few deep breaths to clear your senses, as the smell persistence can linger. Cut the onion in a well-ventilated area to reduce the lingering aroma. After chopping, immediately add the onion to the pot with oil to sauté, which will help to dissipate the smell and flavors.

Dice Three Stalks Celery

With the onion sautéing in the pot, turn your attention to the celery. You’ll need three stalks, which variety you choose is up to you – some popular options include Pascal, Golden, and Ventura. Before you start dicing, make sure your knife is sharp and your cutting board is stable to maintain dicing safety. Hold the celery vertically and slice it into thin strips, then cut the strips into small, uniform dice. As you work, you’ll start to notice the fresh, crunchy texture of the celery. Once you’ve finished, set the diced celery aside, ready to add it to the pot along with the sautéed onion.

Step 3. Brown Three Slices Bacon

Add three slices of bacon to the pot, letting the sizzling sound signal the start of browning. As the bacon cooks, it’ll start to release its rich flavor profile, filling the air with a savory aroma. You’ll notice the bacon texture changing, too – it’ll go from crispy to chewy. Keep an eye on the bacon, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Once it’s browned to your liking, remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease behind. Set the cooked bacon aside for now – you’ll add it back in later, along with the other ingredients, to create a hearty and satisfying vegetable beef soup.

Step 4. Add Two Cloves Garlic

Sizzle two cloves of garlic in the pot, allowing their pungent flavor to meld with the remaining bacon grease. Despite common garlic myths, it’s a nutritious addition to your vegetable beef soup. Garlic has numerous health effects, such as reducing cholesterol levels and preventing certain diseases. As you sauté the garlic, be careful not to burn it, as this can leave a bitter taste. After about a minute, the garlic should be softened and fragrant, ready to combine with the next ingredients.

Step 5. Add One Can Diced Tomatoes

One 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes is about to become the backbone of your soup’s flavor profile. You’ll find that canned tomatoes are a convenient alternative to fresh ones, and they’re rich in tomato nutrition, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene. When you add the diced tomatoes to the pot, you’ll notice the flavors of the garlic and beef start to meld together. Stir well to combine, then let the soup simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to deepen. With this addition, your vegetable beef soup is really starting to take shape.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve reached the end of this recipe, you’re likely feeling satisfied with the outcome and excited to serve it to your loved ones. As you reflect on the experience, remember that cooking is about more than just following a recipe. It’s about creating memories and sharing love.

Now, go ahead and serve your loved ones, and enjoy the warmth and comfort that this soup brings to your table.