Jan'S Winter Soup
Jan's Winter Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. With a rich blend of ground meat, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup brings warmth and flavor to your table. It's an excellent choice for families or anyone seeking a filling meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 c. beef or chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. diced potatoes ⓘ
- 3 carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 c. frozen green beans ⓘ
- 1 c. dry red wine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onions and garlic in butter until onions are tender.
- Add meat and brown, then drain well.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for at least one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a vegetarian version. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer less acidity, a teaspoon of sugar can help balance the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jan's Winter Soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a nice finishing touch. This soup also pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread for a comforting winter dinner. For a fun twist, serve it in bread bowls for a rustic presentation.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the consistency and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jan'S Winter Soup contains roughly 654 calories, with 27g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (207% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (163% of the Daily Value), and iron (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 869mg per serving (38% 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 slow cooker for this recipe?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! After sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method will deepen the flavors and make the soup even more delicious.
What can I use instead of red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute it with additional broth or a splash of balsamic vinegar for acidity. Alternatively, grape juice or a non-alcoholic red wine can also work well without altering the flavor too much.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Jan's Winter Soup freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of liquid if necessary.
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).