One thing that my limited budget affected is meat in my diet. I’m a fan of non-GMO, organic soy products, free range poultry, fish and organic cheese, but now and then I crave beef. Toward the end of the month supplies dwindled, so I made a pot of vegetable beef soup.
Without beef bones I used boxes of bargain beef broth from the emergency stash. My fresh veggies tasted less than great and the Great Value beef (alleged) broth tasted like anything but beef – it was just plain yuk. I’m glad to know not to buy the product again.
I got creative and was delighted to not have wasted the food or my efforts. The friends that dropped by admired the end result so, my secret is secure.
Following is the recipe and the save I concocted. I’ve made it a few more times since with homemade stock, good boxed broths, Knorr Homestyle Stock or Knorr bouillon cubes (which contains less sodium than many other brands). Better Than Bouillon is also good.
Since then I also discovered a culinary jewel at my local restaurant supply: Knorr Professional liquid Concentrated Flavor Base. Available in my area in Beef, Chicken and Vegetable, a 32 oz (946 ml) bottle makes 6.25 gallons. They’re gluten free, no MSG, store on the shelf even after opening, and easily dissolve. With 760 mg sodium per cup it’s less salty than bouillon cubes and quite tasty.
Saved Vegetable Beef Soup
Fresh vegetables chopped into bite-sized pieces:
6 celery ribs
6 medium carrots
1 large onion
Bell peppers (I prefer red, orange or yellow)
1 large potato (or 1 1/2 cups cooked rice)
1/3 large head finely chopped cabbage
3 large garlic cloves finely minced
Bunch fresh minced parsley leaves (to taste)
Cover with beef broth (or stock). When homemade stock is not available, use 2 – 3 boxes or hydrated bouillon cubes (omit additional salt)
Salt and pepper to taste
Simmer till vegetables are almost tender (about 20 minutes).
Once veggies are tender add:
2 cups cooked (or canned) beans; black beans (rinsed). Navy, cannellini, great northern or ceci (chickpea or garbanzo) beans are good and the liquid is great in soup.
16 oz frozen corn
½ small can (6 oz/170 g) tomato paste (avoid lumps and thin with some warm broth before adding), or a large can chopped tomatoes.
Stir and cook on medium heat till blended and heated through.
The save:
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 jalapeno or poblano, pasilla, or Anaheim (California or Magdalena) Chile, halved (remove before serving or chop, according to your preference)
Bunch cilantro leaves finely chopped (to taste)
Juice ½ lime (or more to taste). For extra flavor drop rinds in, but remove before serving).
Stir and cook on medium heat till blended and heated through. Remove lime rinds and peppers if desired and serve with crusty bread.
“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous…” 2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT)
Vegetable image courtesy Pixabay
I don’t trust my cooking. Send me some of yours! 😉
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This sounds absolutely yummy 🙂
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Isn’t it funny how a recipe is never as good as the first try. I’m still enjoying a fresh pot today!
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Great recipe! There’s nothing like a hearty vegetable soup to soothe your soul. I made one with beef a few short weeks ago and served it to the family whose home I was visiting. I always cook at least one meal before I leave a place I’ve been visiting. It’s my way of showing my appreciation for their hospitality. I hope you are well, sweet friend. May blessings abound! ❤
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God is good all the time… I’m well and happy, thank you, Sis. ❤
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Soups are so comforting any time of year:p Glad you figured a way to not let food go to waste and make it tasty!
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Nice recipe. Thank you.
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My pleasure, Eugenia. Even in the North I love Southwest cuisine.
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Comfort Food… I’m loving the Knorr products. Thank for the recipe!😊
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I’ve moved around the country so much I stick with Knorr since it’s been easy to find wherever I’ve been.
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Ok, now I’m really hungry and was planning on having Oreos for dinner.
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C’mon over Rick. I just finished making a simple chicken cacciatore with Romano and spaghetti squash. Serves 6! ❤
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I’m sure you can find a healthier alternative, Rick. 🙂
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