Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heartwarming Rustic Vegetable Beef Soup?
This soup is a soul-satisfying dish featuring tender beef stew meat, vibrant vegetables, and savory herbs, inspired by childhood nostalgia.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long should I brown the beef stew meat?
The beef should be browned thoroughly on all sides for approximately 5-7 minutes.
Why is red wine used in this soup?
Red wine is used to deglaze the pot, helping to scrape up flavorful browned bits and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
How much red wine should I add?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of red wine.
What is the purpose of V8 vegetable juice in this recipe?
V8 vegetable juice provides a punchy zest and adds a rich layer of vegetable flavor to the broth.
How much liquid is needed in total?
The liquid base consists of 3 cups of beef broth, 3 cups of V8 juice, and 3 cups of water.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic?
One onion should be finely chopped and 1 teaspoon of garlic should be minced, then both are sautรฉed until the onion is translucent.
What kind of potatoes are used in this soup?
The recipe uses 2 russet potatoes that have been peeled and cubed.
Is cabbage included in this vegetable beef soup?
Yes, the recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped cabbage.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
The soup should simmer for about 1 hour with the lid slightly ajar until all vegetables are tender.
Should I remove the bay leaf before serving?
Yes, you should remove and discard the bay leaf before serving the soup.
What are the main herbs used for seasoning?
The soup is seasoned with 2 teaspoons of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Does this recipe use frozen vegetables?
Yes, it includes one 16-ounce package of frozen mixed vegetables.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 260 calories per serving of this soup.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 18g of protein.
What is the fat content of this soup?
The soup contains 9g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 23g of carbohydrates.
Does the recipe use beef bouillon?
Yes, 2 beef bouillon cubes are added to enhance the savory flavor profile.
Are the canned vegetables drained?
The corn and cut green beans are drained, but the diced tomatoes are added with their juice.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe starts with 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, which can be adjusted to taste at the end.
What type of oil is best for browning the meat?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
How many carrots are in the recipe?
Two carrots, peeled and sliced, are used in the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that transforms even picky eaters into soup lovers.
How much celery is added?
The recipe calls for 1 stalk of chopped celery.
What size should I cut the vegetables?
The potatoes should be cubed, carrots sliced, and cabbage chopped for a rustic texture.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, after simmering, you should taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as desired.
How do I deglaze the pot?
After browning the meat, pour in the wine and scrape the bottom of the pot to release the browned bits.
Does the soup have fiber?
Yes, there are 3g of fiber per serving.
What makes this soup 'rustic'?
The combination of chunky hand-cut vegetables, tender stew meat, and a rich, hearty broth gives it its rustic character.