Beef and Green Bean Soup

Elevate your soup game with the hearty and flavorful Beef and Green Bean Soup. Crafted to perfection, this recipe combines succulent braising beef, tender green beans, and the earthy essence of waxy potatoes. Delight in the comforting aromas and rich tastes that emerge as you prepare this savory dish. By cooking the beans to a delectable al dente, you ensure a satisfying texture that complements the bold flavors of the broth.

SERVES 6
PREP 20 MIN
COOK 1 HR
FREEZE UP TO 3 MONTHS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil
• 1 lb 2 oz (500g) braising beef (from the shoulder), diced into 3/4 in (2cm) cubes
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 sprigs of thyme
• 1 quart (1 liter) vegetable stock
• 1 large waxy potato, cut into chunks
• 9 oz (250g) fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into small pieces
• 1-2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Season the diced braising beef with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add half of the seasoned beef to the hot oil. Brown the meat until it turns golden all over. Once browned, remove the meat from the pan. Repeat the process with the remaining batch of beef. Once all the meat is browned, set it aside.
2. Return the browned meat to the pan. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until the onion softens.
3. Tie the thyme sprigs together using kitchen string and add them to the pan with the browned beef. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pan and allow it to cook over medium heat for approximately 40 minutes.
4. After 40 minutes, add the chunks of waxy potato to the pan. Bring the mixture back to a boil, cover the pan, and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are just tender.
5. Introduce the fresh green beans to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the beans reach a delectable al dente texture.
6. Remove the thyme sprigs from the pan. Season the soup to your taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
7. Slightly break up the beef pieces, allowing them to meld deliciously with the soup. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the soup before serving.

With its delectable combination of tender beef, waxy potatoes, and vibrant green beans, the Beef and Green Bean Soup offers a soul-warming and hearty experience. This dish brings together flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and provide a nourishing and satisfying meal. Serve it up and relish in the heartiness of each spoonful.