Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Hearty Beef Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

• 500g (1 lb) beef stew meat (chuck or round, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into pieces)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or Worcestershire sauce for added flavor
• Fresh parsley for garnis

Instructions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Season the beef with salt and pepper, then sear in the hot oil until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   • In the same pot, add the onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
   • Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
3. Build the Soup:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, beef broth, thyme, basil, and bay leaf.
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Adjust Flavor:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce if desired.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaf and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a satisfying meal.

This classic soup is rich in flavor and loaded with nutritious vegetables. Let me know if you’d like to explore additional variations or cooking methods!