Imagine a chilly evening where the wind seems to have a mind of its own, sneaking through every gap it can find. That’s when a bowl of Hearty Beef Potato and Quinoa Soup becomes your best friend—warm, comforting, and unexpectedly satisfying, like finding a favorite old sweater at the back of your closet. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t just feed you, it hugs you from the inside.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped scallions and minced garlic, sautéing them until they soften, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, sazon with achiote, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. Let them cook together for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the cubed beef, water, beef bouillon, sliced carrot, diced yellow bell pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 1-1/2 hours, or until the beef becomes tender.
- Incorporate the cubed potatoes and cooked quinoa into the pot. Continue cooking for another 25 minutes.
- Stir in the remaining chopped cilantro, then serve the soup hot. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 6-7 scallions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon homemade sazon
- 1/2 pound beef, cubed into small bite-sized pieces (beef tenderloin recommended)
- 5 cups water
- Beef bouillon
- 1 carrot, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons yellow bell pepper, diced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1231.6 kcal | Carbohydrates: 125.2 g | Protein: 62.8 g | Fat: 55.2 g | Saturated Fat: 18.4 g | Cholesterol: 154.4 mg | Sodium: 1108 mg | Fiber: 18.4 g | Sugar: 8 g
FAQ
- What makes quinoa a good addition to the soup?
- Quinoa is a nutritious seed from South America that is high in protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also gluten-free and rich in lysine, phosphorus, copper, iron, and magnesium, making it a beneficial and hearty addition to the soup.
- Can I use a pressure cooker for this soup, and how does it affect the cooking time?
- Yes, you can use a pressure cooker, which will significantly cut down the cooking time. The beef will become tender in about 45 minutes, and after adding the potatoes and quinoa, you’ll need to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- What is the role of sazon in this recipe?
- Sazon is a seasoning mix that usually includes ingredients like coriander, cumin, and achiote. It adds a unique depth of flavor and color to the soup, enhancing its taste and visual appeal.
- How can I make the beef more tender if I don’t have a pressure cooker?
- To achieve tender beef without a pressure cooker, let it simmer on low heat for around 1.5 hours. The slow cooking process helps to soften the meat, making it tender and flavorful.
- Is there a specific type of beef recommended for this soup?
- The recipe suggests using beef tenderloin cubed into small, bite-sized pieces. This cut is known for its tenderness, making it an ideal choice for this hearty soup.
Tips
- To achieve tender beef, allow the soup to simmer for an extended period. If you have a pressure cooker, use it to significantly reduce cooking time while ensuring the meat becomes incredibly soft.
- Enhance the flavor profile by ensuring the scallions and garlic are sautéed until they are soft before adding other ingredients. This step helps to build a rich base for the soup.
- Incorporate cooked quinoa towards the end of the cooking process to maintain its texture and avoid it becoming overly mushy.
- Consider adding fresh cilantro both during cooking and as a garnish before serving to introduce a fresh, aromatic dimension to the soup.
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker (if you want to reduce cooking time and make the meat tender more quickly)
- Large Pot (if not using a pressure cooker)
- Good quality knife set (for chopping and dicing ingredients)
- Cutting board (for preparing vegetables and meat)
