Poor Man'S Soup
Poor Man's Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender meats, potatoes, and vegetables. Its robust flavors are enhanced by tomato paste and seasonings, making it perfect for a cozy family meal using leftovers and budget-friendly ingredients. Ideal for those craving a filling, versatile soup.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook short ribs and beef stew meat together until tender.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and oregano to the meat and cook until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in tomato paste and canned whole tomatoes, and cook for a few more minutes.
- Add peeled and chopped white potatoes to the pot.
- Include any leftover vegetables from the refrigerator, such as peas, beans, or cabbage.
- Heat thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and hot.
- Serve the soup hot, optionally with cornbread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the short ribs and beef stew meat before simmering. You can substitute the short ribs with chuck roast or any other flavorful cut if needed. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste; try adding thyme or basil. If you have leftover cooked grains, such as rice or barley, they make a great addition for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Poor Man's Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving a simple side salad or steamed green vegetables to balance the richness of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture and heat evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Poor Man'S Soup contains roughly 946 calories, with 31g protein, 197g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (359% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 101g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 in this soup?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests short ribs and beef stew meat, you can use any cut of beef you prefer, such as brisket or ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time based on the cut you choose to ensure everything is tender.
What should I do if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute it with an equal amount of tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes. Keep in mind that using crushed tomatoes will add more liquid, so you may need to adjust the cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Poor Man's Soup in a slow cooker! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then add to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
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).