Pasta in soup isn't just for Italian wedding soup anymore. Beef Pastina soup, with its comforting flavors and petite pasta, brings a delightful variation to your dinner table. In this guide, we'll walk through five simple steps to create a beef pastina soup that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (stew meat or ground beef)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 cup pastina or any small pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
These ingredients ensure you have the right balance of flavors to create a memorable soup. Choosing fresh, quality ingredients will significantly enhance the soup’s taste.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This step adds depth to the soup’s flavor as the caramelization process occurs.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Once the beef is browned, add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The vegetables not only contribute to the flavor but also provide a pleasant texture to the soup.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the beef broth, thyme, and parsley. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
After simmering, add the pastina to the soup. Cook according to the pasta’s package instructions, usually around 5-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Cooking the pasta in the soup adds body to the broth.
📝 Note: Cooking pasta directly in the soup can make it absorb too much liquid, making the soup thicker over time. You might need to add more broth or water if you plan on reheating leftovers.
In crafting this beef pastina soup, you're not just following a recipe but creating a heartwarming meal that's perfect for those chilly evenings or when you need a comforting dish. Each step has its importance, from browning the beef to perfectly cooking the pasta, all aimed at bringing you a bowl of soup that feels like a hug.
The simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforward cooking process make this beef pastina soup an accessible dish for any level of home cook. Whether you're looking to impress guests or provide a comforting meal for your family, this recipe has the capacity to do both. Experiment with the herbs and the choice of beef to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
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Absolutely! You can use chicken broth and substitute the beef with shredded cooked chicken or chicken breast, which will change the flavor profile slightly but still yield a delicious soup.
What is pastina, and can I use other pasta?
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Pastina is a type of tiny pasta, perfect for soups due to its small size. You can use other small pasta like orzo, acini di pepe, or even broken spaghetti in a pinch.
How do I thicken beef pastina soup?
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If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a roux (butter and flour mixture), a slurry (cornstarch and water), or let some of the broth evaporate by cooking it uncovered.
