Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of comfort food with a twist! Today, we’re diving into the heart-warming goodness of Geno’s Beef Pot Pie Soup. This dish combines the comforting familiarity of pot pie with the ease of a soup, making it perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. In this blog, we’ll walk through the five essential steps to create this mouth-watering dish that promises to be a crowd pleaser.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, it’s crucial to have all your ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 1 cup peas
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Puff pastry or pie crust for topping
Having your ingredients prepped and ready to go not only streamlines the cooking process but also prevents any last-minute dashes to the store!
Step 2: Cooking the Beef
The key to a rich, flavorful pot pie soup lies in the preparation of the beef. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. This step helps to develop a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Once browned, remove the beef and set aside. Keep the pot’s drippings; they’re full of flavor!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot:
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until translucent and aromatic.
- Add the carrots and potatoes, sautéing for about 5 minutes to soften them slightly.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring to create a roux. This will thicken the soup as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmering the Soup
Now, let’s turn our pot full of flavors into a comforting soup:
- Return the beef to the pot, along with any accumulated juices.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the thyme, bay leaf, and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for about 30-45 minutes or until the beef and vegetables are tender. Remember to remove the bay leaf once cooking is done.
- Stir in the peas and heavy cream or milk towards the end of cooking, heating through without boiling to prevent the cream from curdling.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Presentation
Here’s where the magic happens:
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust as necessary.
- Prepare your puff pastry or pie crust by cutting into desired shapes or leaving whole for a topping. Pre-bake if you prefer a crisper crust.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with the baked pastry for that pot pie experience. If you wish, you can place the unbaked pastry directly on top of the soup in individual bowls, bake until golden, and serve immediately.
⭐ Note: Using store-bought puff pastry or pie crust can save time, but homemade dough gives an authentic touch and can elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Having prepared Geno's Beef Pot Pie Soup, you've crafted not just a meal, but an experience. This dish encapsulates the warmth and heartiness of traditional pot pie in a convenient, scoopable form that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a comforting dish to indulge in, this recipe promises satisfaction with every spoonful.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
+
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegetarian version. Adjust the broth to vegetable broth as well.
What can I use if I don’t have puff pastry?
+
If you don’t have puff pastry, consider using a biscuit dough, or even a simple drop biscuit topping, which provides a different yet equally tasty experience.
How long will the soup keep in the refrigerator?
+
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
