Basque Soup
A hearty Basque-inspired soup loaded with vegetables, beef, and bold flavors, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings with a rich, savory profile.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 (32 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 1 pt. cooked tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can garbanzo beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can pitted black olives, drained ⓘ
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed ⓘ
- 10 fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup celery, sliced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup Italian sliced green beans ⓘ
- 1 cup red wine ⓘ
- 1 pt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef and pork for the ground meat. You can substitute the red wine with beef broth or a non-alcoholic wine if preferred. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for extra depth. Adjust the garlic to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Basque Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra touch, consider serving it alongside Aunt Vera's Beef Goulash for a comforting dinner experience, or enjoy it as a hearty lunch option on its own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Basque Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basque Soup contains roughly 1237 calories, with 45g protein, 172g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (172% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave as needed.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Basque Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with Basque Soup?
Basque Soup pairs well with a variety of sides. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables complement the dish nicely. You might also enjoy it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with rice or pasta.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).