Army Soup Recipe
Overview:
Army Soup, also known as ‘Patatas Guisadas’, is a hearty stew with roots in Spanish military cuisine. Passed down through generations, this recipe has stood the test of time, bringing warmth and comfort to many families. With its robust flavors and nourishing ingredients, it’s perfect for cold winter days or any time you crave a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into the recipe and recreate this culinary classic!
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 516.5
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5)
Keywords: Meat, Spanish, European, Winter, Pressure Cooker, Stove Top, Inexpensive

Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
- 1 onion, diced 🧅
- 1/2 green capsicum (bell pepper), chopped 🫑
- 2 tomatoes, diced 🍅
- 500g rump steak, diced 🥩
- 5 potatoes, peeled and cubed 🥔
- 3 carrots, sliced 🥕
- 1/2 cup pumpkin, diced 🎃
- 2 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 7 cups water 💧
- 1/2 tsp saffron (optional) 🌼
- 1 bay leaf 🍃
- 1/4 cup dry sherry 🍷
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Instructions:
Step 1: Saute Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic, diced onion, chopped capsicum, and diced tomatoes.
- Saute until fragrant and vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Add diced rump steak to the pot.
- Cook until the beef is browned on all sides, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Deglaze with Sherry
- Pour dry sherry into the pot, allowing it to reduce slightly.
- Add enough water to cover the beef.
Step 4: Simmer
- Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If using a pressure cooker, reduce the simmering time accordingly.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add cubed potatoes, sliced carrots, diced pumpkin, paprika, saffron (if using), and bay leaf to the pot.
- Pour in the remaining water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
Step 6: Continue Cooking
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for an additional 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the soup has thickened.
Step 7: Pressure Cooker Method (Optional)
- Follow Steps 1 to 4 as outlined above.
- After deglazing with sherry, transfer the mixture to a pressure cooker.
- Close the lid and cook on medium heat for 12 minutes after the pressure starts to build up.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency (Optional)
- If the soup is too watery, mix 1 tablespoon of corn flour with a little water to form a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the soup until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ladle the piping hot Army Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
- Serve with crusty bread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.
Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making Army Soup, it’s time to savor the rich flavors and share this cherished recipe with your loved ones. Whether enjoyed as a hearty meal on a chilly evening or as a nostalgic reminder of family traditions, this dish is sure to warm both body and soul. Bon appétit! 🍲🥖🍷