Sylheti Spiced Beef Soup

Ingredients

While the original Soup Number Five from Filipino cuisine is made with offal meats, the Sylheti Spiced Beef Soup focuses on tender beef as the main ingredient. The Sylheti version also incorporates a unique blend of traditional Sylheti spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from the original Filipino dish. We alse have the original recipe for Soup Number Five, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 4 cups (950ml) beef broth 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and ginger paste. Sauté until the onion turns translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the cubed beef to the pot and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Stir in the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder. Cook for a minute to toast the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
6. 6.
   Add the diced tomatoes and potatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Sylheti Spiced Beef Soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or chuck, for the best results in this soup. Trim any excess fat before cubing the beef.
• Sylheti spices — The combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder gives this soup its unique Sylheti flavor. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a chopped green chili to the soup while it simmers.
• Serve the soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes to thicken the broth.

Serving advice

Serve the Sylheti Spiced Beef Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added freshness and aroma. Accompany the soup with warm naan bread or rice for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Sylheti Spiced Beef Soup in a rustic-style bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the soup to shine through. Place a sprig of fresh cilantro on top as a garnish. Serve the soup alongside a basket of warm naan bread or a bowl of steamed rice for an inviting presentation.