Lazy J Bar C

Lazy J Bar C

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Vegetable Beef Soup


I love making soup, it is so comforting to sit down to a bowl of homemade soup and a nice piece of homemade bread! I have only been making homemade soup for a year or so, I used to be intimidated by the thought of getting the seasonings right. Go figure! I have come to realize that soup is so easy to make from scratch and it doesn't matter if it isn't the same every time, just use what you have and it will still be good!

We picked up a package of local, grass-fed beef stew meat at the Farmer's Market last week and that was my inspiration for this soup. I have made lots and lots of different chicken soups but this is my first vegetable beef, I usually just make stew. I know, I know, not really much difference is there? :)


This is one of those recipes without specific quantities for the ingredients, just add whatever you have on hand, in the amount you like, and become one with the soup! I tried to keep it simple to let the beef become the main "star" of the dish. I do like to use stock in a box as opposed to canned broth because it has more flavor and less sodium. Uh, I think I've been watching too much Food Network!

Saute some chopped onion in a little butter and olive oil until soft.







Dredge the beef chunks in seasoned flour and add them to the pot and let them get nice and brown to add to the flavor. Then add about 2 cups of the stock and one cup of water and a little dried thyme or whatever seasoning you prefer and let the meat simmer for about an hour.


Add some diced potato and let that cook for about 10 minutes.







Then add a nice heaping amount of frozen mixed vegetables and let the soup cook for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are done. Check and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Stop by The Country Homemaker Blog Hop and see what Heidi and all the other ladies are up to this week! :)

14 comments:

Robyn said...

Vegetable beef soup or stews are favorites of mine! Growing up we would make stew and eat it over homemade biscuits.
Hubby is not a fan of soup or stew, so I don't make it often. I like Barley in my veg-beef soup too.

Your recipe looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

looks fabulous as usual, Candy! I wish you could send some my way... tonight is going to be busy and I could use a big pot of stew all ready for supper!

Candy C. said...

Robyn,
I'm pretty lucky that Jerry will eat just about anything! LOL!! Ohhh, I forgot about adding barley, I'm definitely going to do that next time! :)

Candy C. said...

Julie,
I certainly would if only I could! :)

Farmgirl Heidi said...

Hi Candy,
That grass fed beef looks fantastic! I wish we had a local supplier for grass fed beef or a year round Farmer's Market for that matter. I am jealous of you girl. Your soup looks yummy. I especially enjoyed the image of you carmelizing the onions... There's just something (beyond words) about butter softening and flavoring ANYTHING that makes my mouth water... Thanks for sharing this great recipe on the Country Homemaker Hop, and for your kind words too. You are an inspiration to me!

dr momi said...

"think I've been watching too much Food Network" LOL too funny. This looks great!

Susan said...

That looks and sounds so delicious! I could use a bowl of that right about now....thanks for posting another wonderful recipe!

Candy C. said...

Heidi,
We have been really pleased with the quality of the beef we have gotten from this rancher.

Jean,
Thanks!

Susan,
I sure wish I could email all of you a nice hot bowl of soup! :)

Mandy said...

I've been making a lot of veggie and beef soup lately too. Since we have 4 deer in the freezer, I've been substituting ground deer for the beef. Still so yummy!

Candy C. said...

Mandy,
That's the great thing about making soup, you can use what is on hand! :)

Jen said...

I love soups & stews... might have to make up a soup tomorrow for dinner, baked bread today ;)

Candy C. said...

Jennifer,
There's nothing to beat homemade bread and homemade soup! :)

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

You reminded me that I haven't made beef stew this winter yet. I make mine in the oven. I may have to make that soon. We finally got snow last night. It's been too warm for stew lately.

Candy C. said...

Kristina,
I have never made beef stew in the oven! You should post about it when you make yours! :)