Virgin Island Soup
Virgin Island Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tomatoes, mixed vegetables, and seasoned ground beef in a savory broth. Its comforting taste and simple ingredients make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a taste of Caribbean-inspired warmth and zest.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer water, chopped onion, canned tomatoes, bouillon cubes, and herbs together for 20 minutes.
- Add macaroni, tomato paste, mixed vegetables, and browned ground beef to the pot.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, adjusting seasoning with oregano, bay leaf, and Tabasco sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding garlic and a bay leaf while simmering the soup. Feel free to substitute the ground beef with turkey or a plant-based protein for a lighter version. If you're out of bouillon cubes, use vegetable broth for a more robust taste. Incorporating fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the freshness of the Virgin Island Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Virgin Island Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated cheese on top before serving can add a delightful creaminess. This soup pairs beautifully with Green Beans And Ground Beef, making it perfect for a hearty family dinner.
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 until heated through, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For best results, add a splash of water if the soup thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virgin Island Soup contains roughly 1063 calories, with 37g protein, 255g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (500% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 140g 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 make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and using vegetable broth instead of water. Increase the amount of mixed vegetables for a heartier texture, or add beans for protein.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce like Tabasco while cooking. You can also sprinkle in red pepper flakes for an additional kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Is there a way to make this soup creamier?
For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream just before serving. Alternatively, blending a portion of the soup can also create a smooth consistency while maintaining the chunky vegetables.
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).