Brown Ragout Soup

Brown Ragout Soup Recipe with Beef, Bacon, and Mushrooms

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Brown Ragout Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is packed with vegetables, meatballs, and a rich broth that will warm you up from the inside out. It is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations.

History

The origins of Brown Ragout Soup can be traced back to French cuisine, where ragout refers to a stew made with meat and vegetables. This soup has been adapted and modified over the years, but the basic concept of a rich and savory broth with tender meat and vegetables remains the same.

Ingredients

2 onions, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 chopped tomatoes
1 green pepper, chopped
2 slices of bacon
6 tbsp butter
0.67 cup flour
8 cups beef broth
1 pinch of thyme
bay leaves
1 pinch of mace
ground fresh pepper
1 dash of maggi seasoning or kitchen bouquet or soy sauce (worcestershire if preferred)
2 tbsp madeira wine or port wine
0.5 lb (227 g) small cooked meatballs
0.25 lb (113 g) fresh mushrooms, whole if small or chopped

How to prepare

Sauté the first six ingredients in butter until they are tender.
Add the flour and stir constantly for about 4-5 minutes.
Add 3 cups of the broth, stirring to avoid any lumps.
Add the remaining broth and strain it through a sieve, or use an immersion blender to create a thick broth.
Add the seasonings, wine, meatballs, and mushrooms.
Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the mushrooms are barely cooked and the meatballs are heated through.

Variations

Add different vegetables such as celery, potatoes, or peas.
Use ground beef or turkey instead of meatballs.
Add a splash of cream for a richer soup.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are tender before adding the flour. This will help to develop the flavors in the soup.

- Straining the broth through a sieve or using an immersion blender will help to create a smooth and thick consistency.

- Simmer the soup gently to allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to heat through without becoming tough.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Brown Ragout Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the flour helps to develop the flavors in the soup.

- Straining the broth or using an immersion blender creates a smooth and thick consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Brown Ragout Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Brown Ragout Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Brown Ragout Soup with a glass of red wine or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Brown Ragout Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Brown Ragout Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Brown Ragout Soup contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Brown Ragout Soup contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Brown Ragout Soup contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Brown Ragout Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the flour and may contain dairy from the butter.

Summary

Brown Ragout Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Brown Ragout Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly evening. Packed with vegetables, meatballs, and a rich broth, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your hunger. Enjoy this classic recipe with your family and friends for a cozy and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a dreary winter day, and I found myself rummaging through my old recipe box in search of something warm and comforting to make for dinner. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and crumpled pieces of paper, my eyes landed on a handwritten note tucked away in the back of the box.

The note was written in elegant script, the ink faded with time. It read: "Brown Ragout Soup - a family favorite passed down from generations. Simple ingredients, but full of flavor. Enjoy!" Intrigued, I read through the ingredients list and instructions. It seemed like a straightforward recipe, but I could tell from the list of spices and herbs that it would be packed with depth and richness.

I closed my eyes and tried to picture the generations before me, stirring pots of this soup over crackling fires and sharing stories around the dinner table. I could almost smell the savory aroma wafting through the air, mingling with laughter and love. I knew that I had to make this soup, not just for myself, but for my family.

I gathered the ingredients from my well-stocked pantry and set to work. Chopping onions, carrots, and celery, I felt a sense of connection to those who had come before me. As I sautéed the vegetables in a pot with a generous amount of butter, the kitchen filled with the earthy scent of cooking vegetables.

Next, I added the ground beef and browned it until it was crumbled and fragrant. I sprinkled in the flour, stirring until it formed a thick paste, then slowly poured in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

As the soup simmered on the stove, I added the bay leaves, thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, warm and inviting. I could almost feel the presence of my ancestors, guiding me through the recipe with their whispered words of wisdom.

After letting the soup cook for an hour, I ladled it into bowls and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. I took a tentative sip, letting the flavors dance on my tongue. The soup was everything I had hoped for - rich, savory, and comforting. It was like a warm hug from the past, wrapping me in nostalgia and love.

I served the soup to my family that night, watching as their faces lit up with delight. They savored each spoonful, each bite filled with memories of meals shared around the table. As we ate, we talked and laughed, creating new memories to add to the tapestry of our family history.

As I sat back and watched my loved ones enjoy the soup, I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment. This recipe, passed down through generations, had brought us together in a way that only food can. It was more than just a meal - it was a connection to the past, a reminder of where we came from and who we are.

I knew that I would continue to make this soup for years to come, passing it down to my children and grandchildren. It was more than just a recipe - it was a piece of my family's story, a thread that bound us all together in love and tradition. And so, as I took another sip of the warm, comforting broth, I whispered a silent thank you to those who had come before me, for sharing this precious gift of Brown Ragout Soup.