Bosnian Beef and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed 500g (1.1 lb) beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 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, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 6g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the beef cubes and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the tomato paste, paprika, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Return the beef to the pot and add the diced carrots, potatoes, and bell peppers. Pour in the beef broth and season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Bosnian Beef and Vegetable Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef stew meat — For a more tender result, you can marinate the beef cubes in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
• Tomato paste — If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use sun-dried tomato paste instead of regular tomato paste.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the soup.
• For a heartier version, you can add cooked barley or noodles to the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables with a fork before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make a delicious next-day meal.
• Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian Beef and Vegetable Soup hot in individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping and savoring the flavorful broth.

Presentation advice

Present the Bosnian Beef and Vegetable Soup in a rustic-style bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the vegetables to shine through. Place a small bunch of fresh parsley on top as a garnish. Serve the soup alongside a slice of crusty bread on a wooden board for an inviting and authentic presentation.