This Sweet & Savory Beef Soup combines tender chunks of beef, sweet carrots, hearty potatoes, and savory broth, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The soy sauce adds a delicious depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness from the vegetables and enhancing the richness of the beef. This dish is perfect for any season but especially great for chilly evenings, where a warm, hearty meal is just what you need.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups beef broth
  (This serves as the base of the soup, providing richness and flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought broth.)
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into cubes
  (Beef stew meat is the best choice for this recipe because it becomes incredibly tender when simmered for a long time. You can use chuck roast or round beef if preferred.)
• 2 carrots, diced
  (Carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup. Dice them into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.)
• 1 onion, chopped
  (Onions add a savory base flavor, helping to create the soup’s aroma as it cooks.)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  (Garlic brings an aromatic, savory flavor to the soup that pairs well with the beef.)
• 1 cup potatoes, cubed
  (Potatoes make the soup more filling and provide a nice starchy texture. Use any kind of potatoes you prefer.)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  (Soy sauce enhances the soup with a savory umami flavor, while also contributing a slight sweetness to balance out the savory notes.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  (Thyme adds a subtle herbal note to the soup, complementing the richness of the beef.)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  (Seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the beef and vegetables. Add to taste!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
  (Olive oil is used to sear the beef, adding flavor and a little bit of richness to the soup.)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
  (Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished soup, and it enhances the flavors with its mild herbal note.)

Instructions:

1. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. The searing process locks in the juices and flavors, ensuring the beef stays tender and flavorful.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and become translucent. This step helps release the natural sweetness from the onions and enhances the savory flavor of the soup.
3. Add the Broth and Vegetables:
   • Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir to combine all the ingredients, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot (called fond). Add the diced carrots, cubed potatoes, soy sauce, and dried thyme. Stir again to mix everything together.
4. Simmer the Soup:
   • Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 45 minutes over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more tender the beef becomes and the more the flavors meld together. You’ll know the soup is ready when the beef is fork-tender and the vegetables are soft but not mushy.
5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
   • After the soup has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like more depth of flavor, feel free to add a splash of soy sauce or a bit of beef bouillon to enhance the umami. You can also add a little more thyme or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each bowl gets a nice portion of beef and vegetables. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information:

• Approximate calories per serving: 300 calories
  (This is a hearty, filling soup with plenty of protein and vegetables to keep you satisfied.)
• Protein: 25 grams
  (The beef provides a good amount of protein, making this a filling and satisfying meal.)
• Fat: 15 grams
  (The olive oil and beef contribute healthy fats, providing flavor and richness.)
• Carbs: 20 grams
  (The potatoes and carrots add fiber and healthy carbohydrates for a well-balanced meal.)

Time:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
  (It takes just a few minutes to prep the ingredients before cooking.)
• Cooking time: 45 minutes
  (The simmering time is essential for developing the flavors and tenderizing the beef.)

Tips and Variations:

• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the onion and garlic. The heat will balance well with the sweetness from the carrots and soy sauce.
• Add More Veggies: For a heartier soup, you can add other vegetables like celery, parsnips, or green beans. These will cook nicely and add even more texture and nutrition to the soup.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have thyme, try substituting with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or bay leaves for a different flavor profile.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be easily reheated. The flavors continue to deepen over time, so it’s a perfect make-ahead meal.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers for freezing. When ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove.

This Sweet & Savory Beef Soup is a perfect meal for cold days or when you need something comforting and filling. The combination of tender beef, savory broth, and sweet vegetables makes it a hearty dish that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings. Enjoy a bowl today!