Ginger’s Soul Comfort Soup (Vegetable-Beef) is a hearty and nourishing dish that promises warmth and satisfaction, perfect for cold winter days or whenever comfort food is needed. Packed with a variety of vegetables and savory beef, this recipe not only tastes delicious but also provides essential nutrients. It’s ideal for large groups, making it a great option for family gatherings or sharing with friends.
Ingredients:
To prepare this comforting soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 cups water
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2-3 cups baby lima beans
- 1 cup whole kernel corn
- 1 cup sweet peas
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 medium baking potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 cups spaghetti noodles, broken into halves
- 2-4 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
-
Boil Water and Prep Vegetables: Start by bringing 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot. Add the sliced carrots and boil them over medium heat until they are tender enough to be penetrated with a fork.
-
Add Tomatoes and Sauces: Once the carrots are tender, add in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
-
Incorporate Meat and Vegetables: Next, add the ground beef, baby lima beans, whole kernel corn, sweet peas, diced onions, and diced potatoes into the pot. Crumble in the beef bouillon cubes for added flavor.
-
Seasoning: Season the soup with onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld.
-
Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for about 2 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and the ingredients to cook through.
-
Add Pasta: After simmering, break the spaghetti noodles into halves and add them to the soup. Stir well to incorporate. The noodles will absorb some of the soup’s liquid as they cook, so you may need to add a little water if the soup becomes too thick.
-
Finish Cooking: Continue to simmer the soup over medium-low heat until the noodles are tender and cooked to your liking, or until you are ready to serve.
-
Serve: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls. Serve hot, accompanied by saltine crackers or butter crackers for added crunch. A green salad makes a refreshing side dish if desired.
Tips for Freezing:
While Ginger’s Soul Comfort Soup freezes reasonably well, note that potatoes can sometimes change texture upon thawing. To mitigate this, consider slightly undercooking the potatoes before freezing, or simply enjoy the soup fresh for the best texture.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories per Serving: 292.9
- Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1g
- Cholesterol: 39.2mg
- Sodium: 1157mg
- Carbohydrates: 34.1g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugar: 9.4g
- Protein: 17.4g
Review and Adaptation:
With an aggregated rating of 4 stars from 3 reviews, Ginger’s Soul Comfort Soup has been well-received for its robust flavors and heartiness. It’s noted as a comforting meal suitable for various occasions, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. For those looking to adapt the recipe, consider adjusting the seasoning to personal taste or incorporating additional vegetables for added nutrition.
In conclusion, Ginger’s Soul Comfort Soup (Vegetable-Beef) stands out as a versatile, filling dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. Whether enjoyed on a chilly winter evening or as a pick-me-up during recovery, this soup embodies the essence of comfort food with its rich flavors and nourishing ingredients.
