Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) lean beef stew meat, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
• 8 cups beef broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the cubed beef and brown on all sides. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
   • In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
3. Build the Base:
   • Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits.
   • Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, bay leaves, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer:
   • Return the browned beef to the pot and bring the soup to a boil.
   • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add Vegetables:
   • Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, green beans, corn, and peas to the pot.
   • Continue to simmer uncovered until the vegetables are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve:
   • Remove the bay leaves before serving.
   • Ladle the vegetable beef soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.

This Vegetable Beef Soup is not only delicious and comforting but also packed with nutritious vegetables. It’s a perfect one-pot meal for a cozy dinner or a warming lunch. Adjust the vegetables based on seasonal availability, and feel free to customize the herbs to suit your taste preferences.