Hearty Spanish Soup
A hearty Spanish-inspired soup featuring tender beef, fresh vegetables, and rich broth, perfect for warming and satisfying a family or group of friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start the beef shanks in cold water and bring to a boil.
- Make a rich broth by cooking the meat slowly with garlic, onion, peppercorns, and salt.
- When the meat is tender, strain off the broth and set aside.
- Add sliced carrots, zucchini, and green beans to the broth and cook slowly until vegetables are tender.
- Add the corn pieces and cook until done.
- Cut the cooked beef into cubes and add to the soup.
- Serve hot, with optional jalapeno sauce for extra piquancy. Pick up the corn with fingers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, sear the beef shanks before boiling. You can substitute other vegetables like potatoes or bell peppers for the zucchini and green beans. If you want a heartier soup, add some diced tomatoes or beans. Adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an extra kick, offer jalapeno sauce alongside. This soup is a comforting option for chilly evenings and makes a fantastic Busy Day Meal For One.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Spanish Soup contains roughly 826 calories, with 24g protein, 227g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (518% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and potassium (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1666mg per serving (72% 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 use a different cut of beef for this soup?
Yes, while beef shanks provide great flavor, you can use other cuts like chuck or brisket. Just ensure they are cooked until tender, as cooking times may vary. Adjust your cooking method accordingly to ensure the meat is flavorful and tender.
What can I do if I don't have fresh vegetables on hand?
If fresh vegetables aren't available, frozen ones can be a great substitute. They are pre-washed and cut, saving prep time. Just add them to the broth at the same stage as fresh vegetables, but keep an eye on cooking times as they may cook faster.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace beef shanks with hearty vegetables like mushrooms for umami flavor and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add lentils or beans for protein, ensuring a satisfying and nutritious soup without meat.
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).