Hearty Russian Meat Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 200g (7 oz) smoked sausage, sliced 200g (7 oz) smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 medium potatoes, diced 2 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 pickles, sliced 4 pickles, sliced
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried dill 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
5. 5.
   Return the beef and smoked sausage to the pot. Add the sliced pickles, beef broth, tomato paste, bay leaf, paprika, and dried dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
8. 8.
   Serve the Hearty Russian Meat Soup hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as chuck or stew meat, for the best results. Trim any excess fat before cubing.
• Smoked sausage — Opt for a high-quality smoked sausage with robust flavors to enhance the soup's taste.
• Pickles — Use dill pickles for an authentic Russian touch. If desired, you can also add a splash of pickle juice to intensify the tanginess.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smokier flavor, you can use a combination of smoked beef and smoked sausage.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour to the sautéed onions and garlic before adding the other ingredients.
• Adjust the level of tanginess by adding more or fewer pickles according to your taste preference.
• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Consider making it in advance for a more intense taste.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or Russian black bread for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Hearty Russian Meat Soup in deep bowls, allowing the flavors to meld together. Top each serving with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill for added creaminess and freshness. Accompany the soup with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Hearty Russian Meat Soup in rustic-style bowls, showcasing the vibrant colors of the vegetables and meat. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprig of fresh dill for an appealing touch. Serve the soup alongside a slice of crusty bread on a wooden board for a visually pleasing presentation.