Hearty Eggplant and Beef Supper Soup
This comforting and flavorful Hearty Eggplant and Beef Supper Soup combines the rich taste of ground beef (or chicken) with tender eggplant, vibrant vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect for cozy dinners, this soup is not only filling but also packed with nutrients. It's a one-pot wonder that showcases the versatility of eggplants, making it ideal for warm family gatherings or an impressive meal for guests. Serve it alongside crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or ground chicken
1 lb (browned)
Onion
1 medium (chopped)
Celery
1 stalk (chopped)
Carrot
1 (diced)
Eggplant
1 (peeled and diced)
Beef bouillon cubes
3 (dissolved in 4 cups of water)
Chopped tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic
1 clove (chopped)
Sugar
2 teaspoons
Bay leaf
1
Uncooked macaroni
1/2 cup
Parsley flakes
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a large pot, brown the ground beef (or ground chicken) over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart into small pieces. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
2
Add the chopped celery, diced carrot, and peeled diced eggplant to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3
Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water, then pour the mixture into the pot along with the chopped tomatoes (including their juice).
4
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, nutmeg, chopped garlic, and sugar. Toss in the bay leaf as well.
5
Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and add the uncooked macaroni. Stir in the parsley flakes and simmer for an additional 15 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
7
Remove the bay leaf before serving and enjoy this hearty soup with fresh bread or a side salad.
Nutrition Information
Roughly 10 grams
Fat
Around 20 grams
Carbs
Approximately 15 grams
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Eggplant and Beef Supper Soup?
It is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines ground beef or chicken with tender eggplant, vibrant vegetables, and savory spices.
Can I substitute the ground beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with ground chicken for a lighter version of the soup.
Do I need to peel the eggplant for this soup?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for the eggplant to be peeled and diced before being added to the pot.
How many calories are in a serving of this soup?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
How much protein does this eggplant soup provide?
This soup provides approximately 15 grams of protein per serving.
Is the macaroni cooked before adding it to the soup?
No, you should add the 1/2 cup of macaroni uncooked during the final 15 minutes of simmering.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The soup includes eggplant, onion, celery, carrot, and chopped tomatoes.
How long should the soup simmer before adding the pasta?
The soup should be covered and simmered on low heat for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the macaroni.
What kind of broth is used in this soup?
The recipe uses a beef broth made by dissolving 3 beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar (2 teaspoons) is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should include the juice from the 28-ounce can of chopped tomatoes to add depth to the broth.
What spices and seasonings are used?
The soup is seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg, chopped garlic, a bay leaf, and parsley flakes.
When should I remove the bay leaf?
The bay leaf should be removed from the pot just before serving the soup.
How much fat is in this soup?
There are roughly 10 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of flakes?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 tablespoons of parsley flakes with fresh chopped parsley if preferred.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 15 distinct ingredients used in this Hearty Eggplant and Beef Supper Soup.
How do I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be peeled and diced into small pieces so it can soften properly during the cooking process.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup is best served alongside crusty fresh bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly one-pot meal that is both filling and nutritious.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are around 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add more garlic?
Yes, while the recipe calls for 1 clove, you can adjust the amount of garlic to suit your personal taste.
What type of pot is best for this recipe?
A large pot or Dutch oven is ideal for browning the meat and simmering the soup components together.
How do I know when the macaroni is done?
The macaroni is ready when it is tender, which typically takes about 15 minutes of simmering.
Does this soup contain nutmeg?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg is added to provide a subtle, warm flavor.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Although the recipe suggests beef or chicken, ground turkey would also work well as a lean protein substitute.
How do I prepare the bouillon?
Dissolve 3 beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of water before pouring the mixture into the pot.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to brown the ground meat over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
How long does the entire cooking process take?
The process takes about 50-60 minutes, including prep, browning, and two stages of simmering.
Is this a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is packed with vegetables and lean protein, making it a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often improve the next day, though you may need to add a splash of water when reheating as the macaroni absorbs liquid over time.