As the winter months approach, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious option, try this leek and beef soup recipe. It’s perfect for a cold day and packed with nutritious ingredients. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand:
- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Ingredients
Cleaning and Slicing Leeks
Leeks can be quite sandy, so cleaning them properly is essential. Trim off the root end and dark green tops. Slice the leeks lengthwise and rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt or sand. Then, slice them into thin half-moons.
Cutting the Beef
Cut the beef stew meat into bite-sized pieces. This will help the meat cook faster and make it easier to eat.
Cooking the Soup
Sautéing the Ingredients
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef pieces and cook until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
In the same pot, add the sliced leeks and minced garlic. Sauté until the leeks are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
Adding Broth and Vegetables
Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and water. Add the carrots, potatoes, and celery. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmering
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Final Touches
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or thyme based on your preference.
Serving
Your leek and beef soup is now ready to be served! Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread for the ultimate winter warmer.
Conclusion
This leek and beef soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s a perfect meal to warm you up on a cold winter day. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments!
