Beef Garden Soup

Beef Garden Soup Recipe - A Hearty American Dinner Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef Garden Soup is a hearty and nutritious meal that combines the rich flavors of beef with the freshness of garden vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a comforting and healthy option that is both easy to prepare and delicious. The combination of lean meat, fresh vegetables, and beans not only makes this soup satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Whether you're looking to warm up on a cold day or simply enjoy a nutritious meal, this Beef Garden Soup is sure to please.

History

The origins of Beef Garden Soup can be traced back to traditional farmhouse cooking, where making the most of available ingredients was essential. This recipe embodies the spirit of resourcefulness, combining whatever vegetables were on hand with beef to create a filling meal. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved dish enjoyed by many, with variations appearing in different cultures. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a staple in households around the world.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ground beef or ground turkey breast meat
1 medium onion, cut into 1 inch pieces
3 medium carrots, sliced
2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cups of low-sodium vegetable juice cocktail
1 14-0.5 oz (14 g) can of no salt stewed tomatoes
1 6 oz (170 g) can of no salt tomato paste
3 beef bouillon cubes or 3 tsp of bouillon granules
3 cups of water
2 15 oz (425 g) cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp of chili powder
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
3 cups of cooked rice, cooked without salt or fat

How to prepare

Cook the beef, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium-high heat in a 4 qt (3.78 liter) Dutch oven until the beef is browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the vegetable juice cocktail, tomatoes, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, water, beans, chili powder, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the rice and heat thoroughly.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of bouillon granules. Adding different vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, can also vary the flavor and nutritional content.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the soup, consider browning the beef in batches to ensure it gets a nice caramelization. Additionally, sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the soup can bring out their natural sweetness. For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans before adding them to the pot. Lastly, letting the soup simmer for an extra 10-20 minutes can deepen the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Beef Garden Soup with a side of whole-grain bread for dipping. A light salad or steamed green vegetables also make great accompaniments, rounding out the meal.

Cooking Techniques

For a richer flavor, consider roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup. Slow cooking the soup on low heat for several hours can also enhance the depth of flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vegetable juice cocktail, you can use tomato juice or a combination of tomato sauce and water. Any type of bean can be substituted for kidney beans, such as black beans or chickpeas.

Make Ahead Tips

This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or grated cheese on top can also add richness.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Merlot or Pinot Noir, pairs well with the flavors of the beef and vegetables in the soup. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef Garden Soup contains approximately 250-300 calories, making it a satisfying yet low-calorie meal option. This calorie count makes it suitable for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Carbohydrates

This Beef Garden Soup is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the primary sources being the beans and vegetables. A serving of this soup contains approximately 20-25 grams of carbohydrates, making it a suitable option for those monitoring their carb intake.

Fats

The lean beef and minimal use of oil keep the fat content low in this soup. A serving contains about 8-10 grams of fat, most of which is unsaturated fat from the beef and vegetables. Choosing lean cuts of meat and draining the beef after browning can help reduce the fat content further.

Proteins

Beef Garden Soup is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the lean beef and kidney beans. Each serving provides approximately 25-30 grams of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A from the carrots, vitamin C from the tomatoes, and potassium from the beans. It also provides iron and zinc from the beef, making it a nutrient-dense meal option.

Alergens

This recipe is free from common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten. However, those with specific dietary restrictions should check the labels on the vegetable juice cocktail and bouillon granules for potential allergens.

Summary

Overall, Beef Garden Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

Summary

Beef Garden Soup is a versatile and nutritious meal that combines the hearty flavors of beef with the freshness of garden vegetables. It is low in calories yet high in protein and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and satisfying meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite in any household.

How did I get this recipe?

. The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a cold winter's day and I was flipping through an old cookbook that my mother had given me. As soon as I came across the recipe for Beef Garden Soup, I knew I had to try it.

The recipe called for a medley of fresh vegetables, tender beef chunks, and a savory broth that simmered for hours on the stove. It seemed like the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

I decided to make the soup for dinner that night, and as I gathered the ingredients from my pantry and fridge, I couldn't help but think back to all the recipes I had learned over the years.

I learned to cook at a young age, watching my own grandmother in the kitchen as she prepared meals for our large family. She was a master in the kitchen, and I was always in awe of the way she could take simple ingredients and turn them into a delicious meal.

As I chopped the vegetables for the soup, I thought about the different places and people I had learned recipes from. From my grandmother's traditional Italian dishes to my neighbor's spicy Indian curries, I had picked up cooking tips and tricks from all over the world.

Once the soup was simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with a rich aroma, I sat down at the table and waited for it to be ready. As I took my first spoonful of the Beef Garden Soup, I was transported back to my childhood, to the days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook with love and passion.

The flavors of the soup were a perfect blend of savory and sweet, with the tender beef melting in my mouth and the vegetables adding a fresh crunch. It was a dish that warmed me from the inside out, and I knew it would become a staple in my recipe collection.

As I finished my bowl of soup, I couldn't help but feel grateful for all the recipes I had learned over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it that made it more than just a dish on a plate.

And as I cleaned up the kitchen, putting away the cookbook and wiping down the counters, I knew that I would continue to learn new recipes and pass them down to future generations. Cooking was more than just a hobby for me – it was a way to connect with my past, to share stories and memories with those I loved.

And as I sat down with a cup of tea, feeling warm and content, I knew that the recipe for Beef Garden Soup would always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.