Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup(Makes 6 To 8 Servings)
A hearty, flavorful vegetable soup with tender beef, seasoned with herbs and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 lb. beef shank or meaty soup bones ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. leaf thyme or marjoram ⓘ
- 6 peppercorns or 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 whole allspice ⓘ
- 2 cubes or tsp. beef bouillon ⓘ
- 6 c. water ⓘ
- 2 medium potatoes, cubed and peeled ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery, sliced ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 c. undrained tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. drained whole kernel corn ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine beef shank, salt, thyme, peppercorns, bay leaf, allspice, bouillon, and water.
- Simmer, covered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Remove the beef shank, peppercorns, and bay leaf from the soup.
- Cut the meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
- Add the remaining ingredients: potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, tomatoes, and corn.
- Cover and continue simmering for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef shank in the saucepan before adding the other ingredients. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add vegetable bouillon instead. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste—use parsley or basil for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty vegetable soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Pat'S Cheese Ball for added flavor and texture. For an extra kick, sprinkle some fresh herbs or a dash of hot sauce on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well; just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Vegetable Soup(Makes 6 To 8 Servings) contains roughly 707 calories, with 25g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (369% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (183% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1202mg per serving (52% 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 different types of meat for this soup?
Yes, you can substitute the beef shank with other cuts of beef or even chicken if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying lengths to become tender.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To adapt the recipe for a slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the vegetables and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the vegetables during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to ensure they remain tender and flavorful.
What if I don't have all the spices listed?
If you're missing some spices, you can still make a tasty soup. For example, if you don’t have allspice, a pinch of cinnamon can add warmth, while oregano can substitute for thyme or marjoram. Just adjust to your taste preferences.
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).