Viennese Beef Soup

Viennese Beef Soup Recipe from Austria | Ingredients: beef, carrots, celery, turnips, cauliflower, and more

Region / culture: Austria | Servings: - 6

Introduction

Viennese Beef Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in Austrian cuisine. The rich broth, tender beef, and assortment of vegetables make this soup a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Viennese Beef Soup has its origins in Austria, where it has been enjoyed for centuries. The recipe has been adapted and modified over the years, but the basic ingredients and cooking techniques have remained the same. This soup is often served as a first course in a traditional Austrian meal, or as a main dish with a side of bread or salad.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) beef bones with marrow, cracked
2 medium carrots, scraped, sliced
3 lb (1.36 kg) beef chuck
1 stalk celery, pared and cubed
3 qt (2.84 liter) water
3 small turnips, pared and cubed
2.5 tsp salt
2 cup cauliflower, cut up
0.75 tsp pepper
2 bay leaves
1 large onion, peeled, sliced thin
4 sprigs parsley
2 medium leeks, white parts only
0.5 tsp dried thyme

How to prepare

Clean and thinly slice the white parts of the leek.
Scald the bones and rinse them in cold water.
In a large kettle, combine the beef and water and bring to a boil.
Add the bones, salt, and pepper.
Slowly bring the mixture to a full simmer and remove any scum from the top.
Cook over low heat, partially covered, for 1.5 hours.
Once again, remove any scum from the top.
Add the remaining ingredients and continue to cook for about 40 minutes, until the meat and vegetables are tender.
Remove and discard the parsley, bay leaves, and bones.
Take out the meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any gristle.
Return the meat to the soup.
You may also add noodles, rice, or dumplings to the finished soup.

Variations

Add different vegetables, such as potatoes or green beans, to customize the soup to your liking.
Use different cuts of beef, such as stew meat or brisket, for a different texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to scald the bones before adding them to the soup to remove any impurities.

- Skim off any scum that rises to the top of the soup during cooking to ensure a clear broth.

- Cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces before adding it back to the soup will make it easier to eat.

- Feel free to add noodles, rice, or dumplings to the soup for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Viennese Beef Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slowly simmering the soup over low heat allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find beef bones with marrow, you can use beef broth or stock instead.

- Feel free to use any combination of vegetables that you have on hand in place of the carrots, celery, turnips, and cauliflower.

Make Ahead Tips

Viennese Beef Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the soup with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Viennese Beef Soup with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a classic Austrian meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

12g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef and may not be suitable for those with beef allergies.

Summary

Viennese Beef Soup is a nutritious and filling meal that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Viennese Beef Soup is a classic Austrian dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This hearty and flavorful soup is packed with tender beef, vegetables, and a rich broth that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you serve it as a first course or a main dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Viennese Beef Soup. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were turning vibrant shades of red and orange, and there was a crispness in the air that hinted at the impending arrival of winter. I had just returned from a trip to Vienna, where I had indulged in all the delicious cuisine the city had to offer.

One evening, as I was unpacking my suitcase, I came across a small notebook that I had purchased at a local market. Inside were handwritten recipes for traditional Viennese dishes, each one more enticing than the last. One particular recipe caught my eye - Viennese Beef Soup. The ingredients were simple yet flavorful, and I knew I had to try it for myself.

I immediately set to work in the kitchen, gathering the necessary ingredients and following the instructions to the letter. The rich aroma of the beef simmering in the broth filled the air, and I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for the soup to be ready.

As I took my first spoonful of the Viennese Beef Soup, I was transported back to the charming streets of Vienna, where I had first tasted this delectable dish. The flavors were a perfect blend of savory and comforting, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made this Viennese Beef Soup countless times, each batch just as delicious as the last. It has become a favorite among my family and friends, who always request it whenever they come to visit. I have even shared the recipe with others, passing on the tradition of this hearty and satisfying soup.

But the true beauty of this recipe lies not only in its taste, but in the memories it holds for me. Every time I make Viennese Beef Soup, I am reminded of that chilly autumn day when I first discovered it, and of the wonderful time I spent in Vienna exploring its culinary delights.

As I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Viennese Beef Soup, I am grateful for the experiences that have brought me to this moment. The recipe may have come from a distant land, but it has found a home in my heart and in my kitchen, where it will continue to bring warmth and comfort for years to come.