Albanian-style Beef Soup with Vegetables

Ingredients

While the original Filipino Bulalô primarily focuses on beef shanks and bone marrow, the Albanian-style Beef Soup incorporates a wider variety of vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and onions. Additionally, the Albanian version infuses the broth with a unique blend of herbs and spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the original dish. We alse have the original recipe for Bulalô, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth 1 liter (4 cups) beef broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the beef stew meat to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
3. 3.
   Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf, ensuring the beef is well coated with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
5. 5.
   Add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup before serving.
8. 8.
   Ladle the Albanian-style Beef Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For a more tender result, consider marinating the beef in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Paprika — Choose a high-quality paprika to enhance the flavor of the soup.
• Fresh parsley — Add the parsley just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the soup while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of flour with a little water and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Serve the soup with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and make for a delicious next-day lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Albanian-style Beef Soup piping hot in individual bowls. Accompany it with a side of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, consider serving the soup in rustic-style bowls or traditional Albanian ceramic bowls. Place a sprig of fresh parsley on top of each bowl for an elegant touch. Serve the soup alongside a basket of freshly baked bread to create an inviting and comforting atmosphere.