Description
- Vegetable beef soup with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and bold broth. A comforting, flavorful homemade classic in every spoonful.
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound stewing beef, cut into 2/3-inch cubes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/3-inch pieces
- 3 carrots, sliced into 1/5-inch pieces (halve larger ones)
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 medium potatoes, diced into 2/3-inch cubes
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or oil and 6 ounces small mushrooms, halved or quartered
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon oil over high heat until very hot. Pat beef dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Brown beef in batches, adding more oil if necessary. Transfer browned beef to a bowl.
- If the pot is dry, add a touch more oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Add celery and carrots, and cook for another 2 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in flour, and slowly pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add water, tomato paste, bay leaves, and thyme. Stir well, then return beef to the pot.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until beef is tender.
- Add potatoes and peas. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. If using mushrooms, cook them separately in butter or oil for 5 minutes until browned, then add them during the last 5 minutes.
- Soup is ready when potatoes are cooked through and beef is fall-apart tender. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: SOUPS
- Method: Stovetop simmering
- Cuisine: Western