Hearty Beef Bone Soup with Meatballs and Tofu

Savory Beef Bone Soup with Meatballs and Tendon

Ingredients:

1 beef shin bone (split) and beef tendon
20 beef meatballs
Beef bouillon powder, to taste
1/2 large onion, roughly chopped
Beef broth (from boiling bones and tendons)
Cooking oil, for sautéing
Spice Paste:
- 3 cloves garlic
- Whole black peppercorns, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Salt, to taste
Garnishes and Accompaniments:
- Sliced scallions and celery
- Fried tofu (cut into pieces)
- Cooked egg noodles
- Chili sauce

Instructions:

Prepare the Base:
Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Incorporate the spice paste—consisting of garlic, black peppercorns, nutmeg, and salt—into the pot, continuing to cook until the paste releases its aroma and blends with the onions.
Simmer the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth, including the beef bones and tendons. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, allowing the flavors to meld together. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the bones and tendons are tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
Add Meatballs:
Introduce the beef meatballs into the simmering broth. Season the soup with beef bouillon powder and salt to taste. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are heated through and flavors are well-developed.
Final Touches:
Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and sprinkle sliced scallions and celery over the top for a fresh finish.
Serve:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, adding pieces of fried tofu and cooked egg noodles if desired. Offer chili sauce on the side for an extra kick.

Enjoy this hearty and flavorful beef bone soup while it’s hot, making for a comforting and satisfying meal!