This Hearty Vegetable and Minced Meat Soup is a comforting, delicious dish that combines tender vegetables, flavorful minced meat, and a medley of aromatic spices. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a bowl of warming goodness, this soup is easy to make and full of rich, satisfying flavors. With a variety of vegetables and a touch of fresh herbs, it’s both nutritious and incredibly tasty. Let’s dive into how to create this wonderful soup that will have everyone coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This soup combines simple, everyday ingredients into a flavorful, hearty meal. It’s packed with vegetables and protein from the minced meat, making it a complete dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The addition of soup noodles adds a comforting texture, while the fresh parsley and spices elevate the flavors, making every spoonful delightful. It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, and it’s a great way to use up what you have on hand.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 2 onions (divided)
- 1 carrot
- 3 potatoes
- 1 red pepper
- 400 g (14 oz) minced meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tomato
- 30 g (1 oz) soup noodles
- Parsley, chopped (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sweet ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, as needed
- Vegetable oil, as needed
- 2 liters (8 1/2 cups) water
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 350 mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Carrot
- Peel one onion and cut it into quarters.
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the onion quarters to the pan and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cut the carrot into smaller pieces. Once the onion turns glassy, add the carrots to the pot, stir, and continue sautéing for a couple of minutes.
Step 2: Add the Potatoes and Water
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes.
- Add the potato cubes to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in 2 liters (8 1/2 cups) of water. Add one teaspoon of salt, mix, close the lid, and let it cook on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Minced Meat Mixture
- Finely chop the second onion and sauté it in a separate pan with a little vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Cut the red pepper into small cubes and add it to the pan with the onion. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes.
- Press two cloves of garlic into the mixture, then add the minced meat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks, ensuring it doesn’t clump together.
- Peel the tomato by scoring the skin with the tip of a knife, placing the tomato in a colander, scalding it with boiling water, and peeling the skin off. Cut the peeled tomato into tiny cubes.
- Add the chopped tomato to the pan with the meat mixture.
- Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of sweet ground paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Mix everything well and continue frying until all the water evaporates from the pan and the mixture is well combined and aromatic.
Step 4: Combine the Meat Mixture with the Vegetables
- Add the cooked meat mixture from the pan into the pot with the vegetables. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 30 g (1 oz) of soup noodles to the pot. Continue cooking on low heat for another 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the soup. Stir well, turn off the heat, and close the lid for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld and the parsley infuse the soup.
- Pour the finished soup into plates and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Soup
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like celery, zucchini, or green beans to make the soup your own.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or other spices as needed to suit your preference.
- Serve with Bread: Pair this soup with crusty bread or rolls for a more filling meal.
This Hearty Vegetable and Minced Meat Soup is a fantastic option when you’re looking for something comforting, easy, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Enjoy this warm, delicious soup that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
