Turkish Beet and Beef Delight
This vibrant Turkish Beet and Beef Delight is a hearty and nourishing soup that brings together the earthy flavors of fresh beets and tender beef stew. Originating from traditional Turkish kitchens, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. With its rich color and delightful taste, this soup is both visually stunning and satisfying. Made with canned beets for convenience, this dish is adaptable and can be made in under 30 minutes. Serve it fresh with a squeeze of lemon to elevate the flavors, and enjoy a comforting bowl of goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Beets
12 (Peeled and grated or chopped)
Water
4 cups (N/A)
Beef stew meat
1.5 lbs (Diced)
Onions
2 (Chopped)
Stewed tomatoes
1 cup (N/A)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (Freshly squeezed)
Sugar
4 tablespoons (N/A)
Salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Pepper
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Eggs
4 (Beaten (optional))
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and grating the beets. If using canned beets, chop them into small pieces.
2
In a large pot, combine the grated or chopped beets, 4 cups of water, diced beef stew meat, chopped onions, and stewed tomatoes.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for approximately 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
4
Add in the lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5
Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
When ready to serve, you can skip adding the eggs; otherwise, beat one egg per serving in the bottom of 4 soup bowls.
7
Carefully ladle the hot soup over the egg in each bowl, allowing the heat to gently cook the egg white. If preferred, serve without the egg.
8
Enjoy the soup while hot, garnished with additional lemon juice or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkish Beet and Beef Delight?
Turkish Beet and Beef Delight is a hearty and nourishing soup that combines the earthy flavors of fresh beets with tender beef stew meat.
Where does this recipe originate?
This recipe originates from traditional Turkish kitchens.
Can I use canned beets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beets for convenience, which can help reduce the cooking time.
How should I prepare fresh beets?
Fresh beets should be peeled and then either grated or chopped into small pieces.
What type of meat is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of diced beef stew meat.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of water.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 chopped onions for this recipe.
Are tomatoes included in this soup?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of stewed tomatoes.
How long does the beef need to simmer?
The beef should simmer for approximately 1 hour, or until it becomes tender.
What provides the acidic balance in the soup?
One tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the acidity.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 4 tablespoons of sugar to balance the flavors.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
How long is the final simmering stage?
After adding the seasonings, simmer the soup for an additional 30 minutes.
Are eggs mandatory for this soup?
No, the eggs are optional and can be skipped if preferred.
How are the eggs served with the soup?
One egg is beaten in the bottom of each soup bowl, and the hot soup is ladled over it.
Does the soup cook the egg?
Yes, the heat from the hot soup gently cooks the egg white when poured over.
Can I make this soup in under 30 minutes?
While the traditional simmer takes longer, using canned beets allows for a version that can be made in under 30 minutes.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the soup with additional lemon juice or fresh herbs.
What are the primary flavor profiles?
The soup has an earthy, rich, and vibrant flavor profile with a balance of sweet and sour notes.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nourishing and healthy soup full of fresh vegetables and protein.
How many beets are used?
The recipe calls for 12 beets.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the instruction to use 4 eggs for 4 bowls, it typically serves 4 people.
Is this soup considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food, perfect for cozy gatherings.
What is the color of the soup?
The soup has a vibrant and rich red color due to the beets.
Can I use frozen beef?
It is best to use thawed, diced beef stew meat to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Should the beef be browned first?
The instructions suggest boiling the meat directly with the beets and water, but you could brown it for extra flavor if desired.
What happens if I don't use sugar?
The sugar helps balance the earthiness of the beets and the acidity of the lemon; omitting it may result in a sharper taste.
Is the soup served hot or cold?
This soup should be served fresh and hot.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the traditional recipe focuses on beets and onions, you can adapt it with other root vegetables if you choose.
How do I know when the soup is ready?
The soup is ready when the beef is tender and the flavors have melded after the final simmer.