Grandma Mary'S Soup
A hearty, comforting soup featuring tender short ribs, fresh vegetables, and pasta, perfect for cozy family dinners and those craving rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Choose any soup meat, on or off the bone, such as short ribs.
- In a large pot, combine the short ribs, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped carrots, and bay leaf.
- Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat, discard the bay leaf, and cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the meat to the pot and add the crushed tomatoes and acini de pepe.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the pasta is cooked and flavors meld.
- Serve hot and enjoy this comforting soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using beef broth instead of water when simmering the ingredients. You can substitute short ribs with chuck roast or even a leaner cut like sirloin. If acini de pepe is unavailable, try orzo or small pasta shapes. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the soup's taste, if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve alongside a warm slice of the 'Almost As Good As Sex' Dessert for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This will help keep the pasta from becoming too soft while maintaining the soup's flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Mary'S Soup contains roughly 779 calories, with 20g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (169% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (156% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% 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 in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep! Prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight. Just reheat on the stove, adding a little water if necessary. The soup may thicken as it sits, so adjust the consistency to your liking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While acini de pepe is traditional, you can use any small pasta like ditalini or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require different cooking durations.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stove. Note that the pasta may become softer upon freezing and reheating.
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).