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Related Yuca Soup Recipes (or soups that can be adjusted to include yuca)
In the sultry cadence of a blues singer, let me take you on a culinary journey with our old fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup recipe, where soulful flavors meet in a harmonious blend. Picture a simmering pot, the heart and soul of this savory symphony. Juicy beef, tender yuca, and vibrant collard greens dance together, creating a melody that resonates through every spoonful.
This ain’t your ordinary soup – it’s a hearty vegetable beef soup, a bluesy ballad of robust flavors that’ll warm your spirit and comfort your soul. So, grab a bowl and let the bluesy aroma serenade your senses in this unforgettable culinary tune.
Absolutely the best vegetable beef soup you’ll ever have. This completely original recipe is as far from traditional as you can get, but packs the same hearty comfort you expect.
Traditional vegetable beef soup recipes call for corn, carrots, and maybe fresh or canned green beans with tomato juice and maybe hints of Worcestershire sauce. This ain’t that. This delicious soup has a bit of the Caribbean, some Mexico, Deep South and just my craziness.
This version calls for some unusual flavor pairings that work incredibly well. If you’ve never had yuca or yuca in soup then you are in for a treat! Frozen peas add a surprising burst of sweetness and texture.
Yuca, poblanos, and collard greens replace potatoes and carrots, while coconut milk and pickle juice add much depth and complexity to the broth.
What Is Yuca?
Yuca, also known as cassava, is a starch common in the Caribbean and South America. I eat it mostly cooked as fries myself, but decided it would be a great addition to this soup in place of potatoes.
Yuca has a tubular, woody root that can grow quite long, and it is typically tapered at both ends. The outer skin is rough, and the inner flesh is white.
A few things to know if learning how to cook yuca in soup:
- Peeling and Preparation:
- Yuca has a tough outer skin that needs to be peeled before cooking. Use a knife to peel the skin, and be sure to remove any fibrous core from the center
- Cutting into Uniform Pieces:
- Cut the yuca into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This also makes it easier to eat in the soup.
- Flavor Absorption:
- Yuca has a mild flavor, and it can absorb the flavors of the soup. Consider using a flavorful broth and adding aromatic herbs and spices to enhance the overall taste.
- Cooking Time:
- The cooking time for yuca in soup can vary, but it typically takes around 20-30 minutes for the yuca to become tender. Test for doneness by inserting a fork into the yuca; it should go through easily when it's cooked.
Beats and Eats (music to pair with Beef Vegetable Soup)
This cassava soup breaks so many laws the recipe shouldn't be allowed. It feels like trouble when you're making it. But it's straightup good trouble when you're eating it.
Picture this: the soulful blues of Albert Collins' "If Trouble Was Money" setting the mood as you indulge in a bowl of this ridiculously good Vegetable Beef Soup. The robust guitar riffs and heartfelt vocals of Collins create a perfect backdrop for savoring the rich flavors of beef, yuca, and collard greens.
The song's emotional intensity mirrors the depth of the soup's taste, both offering a blend of raw power and subtle nuances. Let the music fill the air as you savor each spoonful, and revel in the fusion of bluesy rhythms and culinary delights that transport you to a realm where troubles fade away in the company of good music and exceptional comfort food.
Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe Key Ingredients For Flavor
- Beef Chuck Roast - This is not a ground beef recipe. You with thick beefy cuts. I prefer chuck roast over beef stew meat cause you never know which cut you’re getting. When going with chuck roast you have more control over the level of quality.
- Yuca - Cooking yuca (also known as cassava) in soups can add a unique and delicious flavor to your dish.
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes (i use canned) - I find the larger whole more flavorful, but in a pinch you can go with diced tomatoes. Worst case you can rely on tomato sauce. You can also add tomato juice for extra flavor.
- Poblano Chilis - add a distinct and savory dimension to vegetable beef soup. Their mild heat level allows for a subtle spiciness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish. Poblanos contribute a rich, smoky taste, imparting depth and complexity to the soup’s profile.
- Collard Greens - contribute several elements to vegetable beef soup. Firstly, they add a hearty and robust texture, enhancing the overall substance of the soup. The leafy greens bring a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that complements the richness of the beef and the savory broth.
- Paprika - adds a rich and smoky dimension to vegetable beef soup. This spice is made from dried and smoked red peppers, imparting a distinct smokiness that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. The smoky notes complement the hearty taste of beef, adding depth and complexity to the soup.
- Cumin - adds a warm and earthy flavor to vegetable beef soup. The spice imparts a distinct depth and richness, enhancing the overall savory profile of the dish. Its slightly nutty and peppery notes complement the hearty flavors of beef and vegetables, creating a well-balanced and satisfying taste.
- Coriander - adds a warm and citrusy flavor to vegetable beef soup. The herb, derived from the seeds of the cilantro plant, contributes a fragrant and slightly sweet undertone to the broth. It complements the richness of the beef and adds a fresh, aromatic quality to the overall flavor profile. Coriander also brings a hint of citrus and spice, providing a subtle but distinctive kick to the soup.
- Pickle Juice - introduces a unique and tangy twist to the flavor profile. The acidity and brininess of pickle juice contribute a zesty kick, enhancing the overall taste of the soup. It can cut through the richness of the broth and meat, offering a refreshing and palate-cleansing element. The pickle juice infuses the soup with a hint of sourness and depth, creating a more dynamic and interesting culinary experience.
- Coconut Milk - Coconut milk adds a luxurious and creamy texture to vegetable beef soup, enhancing its richness and depth of flavor. It imparts a subtle, sweet undertone that complements the savory elements of the broth, creating a well-balanced and uniquely satisfying taste. Additionally, coconut milk contributes a tropical nuance, adding a touch of exotic flair to the soup.
- Beef Broth - go with a low sodium beef broth if possible. Salt content starts to add up when you account for the broth, canned tomatoes and the added salt.
- Optional ingredients depending on your taste preferences include: canned green beans, frozen peas, carrots.
How To Make Homemade Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup
Mix spices together in a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.
Cut beef into chunks (1 inch thick) and brown in a dutch oven pot. Remove the beef and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Saute onions, garlic, and poblanos 2-3 minutes, seasoning with about a quarter of the spice mix as you go.
Add the collard greens and saute another 2 minutes or so. Add the yuca and continue cooking.
Add the tomatoes and deglaze the pan. Add another quarter of the spices then add in the stock, pickle juice, coconut milk and bay leaves. Mix well then add the beef back. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and mix in the remaining spices. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker for this step.
What To Serve With This Soup
Several delicious options can complement vegetable beef soup, enhancing the overall dining experience. Here are some ideas for what to serve with vegetable beef soup:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm baguette, crusty bread, or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Crackers or Breadsticks: Choose your favorite crackers or breadsticks for a satisfying crunch alongside the soup.
- Rice or Pasta: Serve the soup over cooked rice or pasta for a heartier meal.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The classic combination of a grilled cheese sandwich is a comforting and perfect match for vegetable beef soup.
- Side Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can add a refreshing element to the meal.
- Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs well with the savory notes of vegetable beef soup.
10 Ways To Maximize Flavor in Vegetable Beef Soup
Maximizing flavor in vegetable beef soup involves layering tastes, using fresh ingredients, and allowing ample time for flavors to meld. Here are some ways to enhance the flavor of your soup:
- Sear the Beef: Before adding it to the soup, sear the beef cubes in a hot pan. This creates a caramelized exterior, adding depth and richness to the meat.
- Aromatics: Start with a flavorful base by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery. This forms the foundation of your soup’s taste.
- Herb Garden Magic: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves bring a burst of flavor. Add them early in the cooking process to allow their essence to infuse the broth.
- Spice It Up: Use a blend of spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper to add warmth and complexity. Worcestershire sauce can also be added for an extra layer of savory depth. Adjust quantities based on personal preference.
- Low and Slow Cooking: Simmer the soup on low heat for an extended period, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. This slow-cooking method helps develop a rich and flavorful broth.
- Beef Broth Selection: Choose a high-quality beef broth or make your own for a more robust and authentic taste.
- Unique Ingredients: Introduce unique elements like yuca or poblano chilies to add layers of flavor and surprise to your soup.
- Finish with Freshness: Add fresh ingredients towards the end, like chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, to brighten up the flavors.
- Balanced Seasoning: Regularly taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. This ensures a well-balanced and flavorful soup.
- Leftover Love: Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld. Consider making it a day ahead for a richer taste.
Other Cooking Considerations and Tips
Buy your own chuck roast and cut it yourself instead of buying stew meat. You never know what you’re getting with pre-cut meat.
Cut beef and yuca as uniform as possible each for even cooking. This also helps with serving and eating.
For a thicker stew-like consistency make a slurry of corn starch and water. Simply mix water and starch, stir well, and then add to the stew.
The spice mix gives this soup aroma and flavor.
I used canned tomatoes because that’s all I had on hand. They work well, but if you plan to use fresh go with plum or other smaller red tomatoes.
Remove the seeds and veins from the poblanos. You want the earthiness of the chilis minus any of the heat.
If you're looking for any side dish pairings, any from this side dish guide could work.
You can make yuca soup vegetarian or vegan by substituting mushrooms for the beef and by using vegetable stock.
If you decide to make any substitutions especially with vegetables feel free to go with frozen vegetables or canned vegetables for convenience and faster cooking.
I'm not much for crockpot cooking but you can definitely make a batch of crockpot vegetable beef soup using your slow cooker or instant pot.
More Soup/Stew Recipes
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Haitian Soup Joumou (Beef and Pumpkin)
Make Vegetable Beef Soup
In the simmering pot of life, this old fashioned vegetable beef soup with collards and yuca is like a soulful blues melody, each ingredient playing its part in a harmonious symphony. The tender beef, the earthy collards, and the hearty yuca come together like notes on a guitar, creating a melody that warms the spirit and soothes the soul.
With each spoonful, you can taste the bluesy richness and feel the comforting embrace of this down-home dish. It’s not just a soup; it’s a rhythm of flavors that tells a story of warmth, heart, and a little bit of culinary magic. So, let this vegetable beef soup with collards and yuca be your soundtrack to comfort, a bluesy ballad for the taste buds that leaves you humming with satisfaction.
If you make this delicious homemade vegetable beef soup recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Beef chuck cut into 1 inch chunks
- 1 medium Yellow Onion diced
- 4 cloves Garlic diced
- 1 bunch Collard Greens stems removed, cleaned, and chopped
- 1 large Yuca peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 large poblano seeds and veins removed, and chopped
- 14 oz can peeled whole tomatoes
- 14 oz can coconut milk
- ½ cup pickle juice
- 1 cup Beef stock
- 1 whole Bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Coriander
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Mix spices together in a small bowl or ramekin. Set aside.
- Cut beef into chunks (1 inch thick) and brown in a dutch oven pot. Remove the beef and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Saute onions, garlic, and poblanos 2-3 minutes, seasoning with about a quarter of the spice mix as you go.
- Add the collard greens and saute another 2 minutes or so. Add the yuca and continue cooking.
- Add the tomatoes and deglaze the pan. Add another quarter of the spices then add in the stock, pickle juice, coconut milk and bay leaves. Mix well then add the beef back. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, and mix in the remaining spices. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.