Mock Turtle Soup
Mock Turtle Soup Recipe from England with Ground Beef and Worcestershire Sauce
Introduction
Mock Turtle Soup is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. This recipe is a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for a cold winter day. Made with ground beef, onions, ginger snaps, and a variety of seasonings, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out.
History
Mock Turtle Soup originated in the 18th century as a cheaper alternative to traditional turtle soup, which was made from the meat of a turtle. Mock Turtle Soup became popular in England and America as a way to replicate the flavors of turtle soup using more affordable ingredients, such as ground beef and other flavorful additions.
Ingredients
- 2.5 qt (2.36 liters) of water
- 2 lb (907 g) ground chuck or very lean ground beef
- 0.25 cup worcestershire sauce
- 2 medium onions, finely diced
- 25 ginger snaps, crushed
- 0.5 lemon, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 bottle catsup (14 oz (397 g))
- 2 tsp salt
- pepper to taste
- 3 or 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
How to prepare
- Brown the hamburger in a pot.
- Drain the grease from the pot.
- Put all the remaining ingredients in the pot except for the hard-boiled eggs.
- Cook at high pressure for 15 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally.
- Add the chopped eggs shortly after the soup is done.
- Serve and enjoy.
Variations
- Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter version of this soup.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to brown the ground beef before adding it to the soup to enhance the flavor.
- Crushing the ginger snaps adds a unique texture to the soup and helps to thicken it.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Adding the hard-boiled eggs at the end adds a creamy texture and additional protein to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mock Turtle Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Techniques
Cooking at high pressure in a pressure cooker helps to infuse the flavors and tenderize the meat quickly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use crushed saltine crackers instead of ginger snaps for a different texture.
- Substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if needed.
Make Ahead Tips
This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a decorative touch.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve this Mock Turtle Soup with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious pairing.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
250 per serving
Carbohydrates
15g per serving
Fats
12g per serving
Proteins
20g per serving
Vitamins and minerals
This soup is a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Alergens
This recipe contains gluten from the ginger snaps.
Summary
This Mock Turtle Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great option for a satisfying meal.
Summary
Mock Turtle Soup is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household for its hearty and satisfying qualities. Enjoy this delicious soup on a cold day for a comforting and warming meal.
How did I get this recipe?
I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Mock Turtle Soup. It was handed down to me by my great-grandmother, who learned it from a dear friend while traveling through Europe many years ago. The intricate list of ingredients and detailed instructions seemed daunting at first, but I was determined to master this unique dish.
My great-grandmother's friend, a French chef, had described the soup as a delicacy fit for royalty. It was said to mimic the rich and savory flavors of traditional turtle soup, using ingredients that were more readily available and affordable. The idea of creating a mock version of such a luxurious dish fascinated me, and I was eager to give it a try.
The recipe called for a variety of ingredients that I had never used before, such as calf's head, sweetbreads, and hard-boiled eggs. I spent hours meticulously preparing each component, following the instructions to the letter. The process was laborious and time-consuming, but I knew that the end result would be worth the effort.
As the soup simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with a tantalizing aroma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had taken a leap of faith in trying something new and unfamiliar, and it had paid off. The soup turned out to be a masterpiece of flavors and textures, with each ingredient contributing its own unique element to the dish.
When I finally served the Mock Turtle Soup to my family, they were hesitant at first. The idea of eating calf's head and sweetbreads was a bit unsettling to them. But one taste was all it took to win them over. The soup was a revelation, with its rich broth, tender meat, and delicate spices coming together in perfect harmony.
From that day on, Mock Turtle Soup became a staple in our household. It was a dish that I would often make for special occasions and gatherings, delighting friends and family with its unique and unforgettable flavors. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that first moment of amazement when I discovered the recipe and marvel at how far I had come.
Over the years, I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of Mock Turtle Soup to the next generation. It has become a beloved family heirloom, a reminder of the culinary adventures and discoveries that have shaped my life. And as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am grateful for the lessons and inspiration that my great-grandmother's friend imparted to me through this extraordinary recipe.
Categories
| Egg Recipes | English Recipes | Ground Beef Recipes | Ketchup Recipes | Pressure Cooker Recipes | Soup Recipes |