Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup

Description:

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender beef ribs with sweet apples, earthy carrots, and a savory broth. The unique addition of apples adds a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the beef and vegetables. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is nourishing and full of vibrant flavors.

Ingredients:

For the Soup Base:

• Beef ribs: 2 lbs (bone-in, cut into smaller pieces if necessary)
• Carrots: 3 large, peeled and chopped
• Apple: 1 large (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
• Onion: 1 large, chopped
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
• Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and diced (optional, for added heartiness)
• Beef broth: 6 cups (or enough to cover the ingredients)
• Bay leaves: 2
• Thyme: 1 teaspoon (fresh or dried)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon (to taste)
• Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
• Apple slices: Thinly sliced, for garnish (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• Ginger: 1-inch piece, minced (for added warmth and depth)
• Parsnips: 1–2, peeled and chopped (for extra flavor and texture)
• Cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (to brighten the soup if needed)

Tips for Success:

1. Brown the beef ribs: Searing the beef ribs first adds depth of flavor to the broth, so don’t skip this step.
2. Use tart apples: Choose a tart variety like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the apples with the savory broth.
3. Simmer slowly: Allow the soup to simmer for at least an hour to tenderize the beef and fully develop the flavors.
4. Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or cider vinegar to enhance the flavor balance.

Steps to Make It:

1. Brown the Beef Ribs:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef ribs in batches (so as not to crowd the pot) and sear on all sides until browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
3. Once browned, remove the beef ribs from the pot and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add the garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Build the Soup Base:

1. Return the browned beef ribs to the pot. Add the chopped apple, potatoes (if using), bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the beef broth, ensuring the ingredients are covered by the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef ribs are tender and the flavors have melded together.
4. Skim off any excess fat from the top of the soup as it simmers for a cleaner broth.

4. Final Adjustments:

1. Once the beef is tender, remove the beef ribs from the soup. Discard the bones and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the soup.
2. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cider vinegar to balance the flavors.

5. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and optional apple slices for a fresh contrast.
2. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

Recommendations:

• Pairing: This soup goes wonderfully with a simple side salad or some warm cornbread for extra comfort.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approx. 6 servings):

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg

Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup is the perfect dish to warm up on a cold day with its rich broth, tender beef, and sweet yet savory flavor combination. Enjoy this nourishing, comforting bowl of soup with the sweetness of apples and the depth of beef!