Stacy's Favorite Vegetable Beef Soup
This is a soup I concocted inspired by 4 different recipes, to satisfy my childhood cravings! I took what I liked, discarded what I didn't, and added some extras. My 4 kids, usually leery of vegetable soup, gave it "4 Thumbs Up!"
This is a soup I concocted inspired by 4 different recipes, to satisfy my childhood cravings! I took what I liked, discarded what I didn't, and added some extras. My 4 kids, usually leery of vegetable soup, gave it "4 Thumbs Up!"
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 can corn drained
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cups cabbage chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 carrots peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 1 leaf
- 1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups v 8 vegetable juice
- 2 russet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 can cut green beans drained
- 1 package frozen mixed vegetables
- Carbohydrate 23.130248020994 g
- Cholesterol 122.439868357482 mg
- Fat 48.0810977532451 g
- Fiber 4.14269503226023 g
- Protein 4.61676096017005 g
- Saturated Fat 29.4958207812527 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -10 serving(s) (489g)
- Sodium 553.926444463905 mg
- Sugar 18.9875529887337 g
- Trans Fat 3.36971724849375 g
- Calories 547 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat vegetable oil in a large stew pot.
- Add the stew meat and thoroughly brown on all sides.
- Add red wine and deglaze pot, stirring in all the brown bits on the bottom until the wine is reduced by at least 1/2.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and saute for about 5 minutes longer.
- Dump in all the other ingredients and stir well.
- Bring to almost a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let simmer (almost bubbling), covered with the lid slightly ajar, 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until all vegetables are tender.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste, if desired, and discard the bay leaf.
Stacy's Favorite Vegetable Beef Soup: A Culinary Journey Back to Childhood
As a busy mom of four, time in the kitchen is a precious commodity. But there are some things that are worth fighting for, worth taking that extra time to create, and for me, that's nourishing, comforting food that brings my family together. This vegetable beef soup is one of those dishes. It's not just a meal; it's a memory, a taste of my own childhood, reimagined and perfected over years of family dinners and happy moments around the table.
The recipe itself is a bit of a culinary patchwork, a happy accident of inspiration born from four different recipes. Honestly, I started with a desire to capture that comforting warmth and rich flavor of a classic vegetable beef soup, but with a twist. I wanted to create something my kids would actually enjoy, something that would coax even the pickiest eaters to clean their bowls. The result? A hearty, flavorful soup that’s not only packed with wholesome vegetables, but also bursting with the savory goodness of tender beef and aromatic herbs.
It all began with a simple desire for comfort food, a yearning for the tastes and aromas that conjured happy memories from my own childhood. I started experimenting, tweaking and refining, incorporating elements from different recipes until I arrived at this perfect blend. Each ingredient has a purpose, a role in creating the symphony of flavors that makes this soup so unique and special.
The secret, I believe, lies in the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the carrots and corn perfectly complements the earthy notes of the potatoes and the subtle bitterness of the cabbage. The richness of the beef broth, combined with the depth of the red wine, creates a base that elevates the entire dish. And the herbs—oregano, basil, and a hint of garlic—add a fragrant complexity that tantalizes the senses. It's this harmonious blend of flavors and textures that makes this soup so incredibly satisfying.
More than just a recipe, this soup represents the heart of our family gatherings. It’s the aroma that fills our home on chilly evenings, the warmth that spreads around our table, and the shared moments of laughter and conversation that make those meals truly special. It’s a testament to the power of food to connect us, to bring us together, and to create lasting memories.
This soup isn't just about the ingredients; it's about the love that goes into it, the care in the preparation, and the joy of sharing it with the people you love. It’s a recipe that evolves with every batch, a living testament to the ever-changing dynamics of family life. Each spoonful is a journey back to simpler times, a reminder of the importance of family, and a celebration of the simple pleasures in life.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and let the aromas of this delicious soup fill your home with warmth and happiness. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a love letter written in the language of food.
Try it and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your own stories about your favorite family meals and the memories they evoke.
