Foodie Friday: Hamburger Soup
In Western Pennsylvania, we are experiencing a "real" winter. When I say "real," I mean cold, sub-zero temperatures, snow accumulations totaling more than an inch or so, and, unfortunately, no end to this Arctic blast. I'm telling you, dear reader, I think I could be making soap in Aruba every winter, and it seems like a real possibility. However, I am stuck in cold Pennsylvania for now, so let's make the best of it.
If you are a frequent reader, you know I have a great affinity for soup. The cold snap that has made itself at home in Pennsylvania has increased my desire for warm, cozy comfort food. Earlier in the week, I made a big pot of hamburger soup. Hamburger soup is an easy, pantry or refrigerator-clearing creation of warm comfort. This recipe is something I came up with on a whim because I did not want to drive to the grocery store to pick up specific items. Again, simplicity is wonderful, and we make the best of what we have. It's age-old wisdom that continues to ring true.
This "recipe" is flexible. You can use what you have in your refrigerator or canned vegetables from your pantry. I have made it using both or a combination of the two, and it always creates a delicious, simple, comforting meal that isn't heavy in calories. Feel free to add what your family likes or use whatever is available. The following are my suggestions.
Hamburger Soup
-1 lb. of lean ground beef
-1 medium onion
-4 carrots, diced
-4 potatoes diced
-1 cup frozen peas
-1 cup frozen sweet corn
-1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes
-1 8 oz. can tomato paste
-3 quarts or boxes of beef broth
-3 beef bouillon cubes (I like a rich broth)
-2 cups of pasta (I used spirals)
-1 bay leaf
-1 TBLS. Italian seasoning
-2 cloves of garlic, minced
-Salt and Pepper to taste ( I don't add extra salt because I find the bouillon adds enough for my taste)
-Begin by browning the ground beef. Drain any fat once the meat is no longer pink
-Add the onion and spices, sautee for five minutes
-Add the tomatoes, broth, and paste; allow this to come to a simmer
-Add the vegetables and bring to a slow simmer
-When the vegetables are tender, add the pasta and simmer until pasta is al dente
-Serve piping hot in your favorite soup bowl or mug (The Bean likes to eat her soup from large oversized mugs)
-Complete the meal with warm garlic bread or fresh, soft Italian bread. I chose not to serve a salad because this soup is laden with vegetables.
This soup is easy to create and very flexible. It warms you from the inside out and is welcomed by my soup-snob family. Even The Bibbed Wonder, who declares that "soup, not a meal," happily eats it with relish and announces, "Good meal, lady!" I find it a comforting, easy-to-prepare meal on a cold, snowy day.
On this calm, snowy January Friday, stay safe, be smart, make the best of your situation, dream your dreams; winter won't last forever, and keep washing your hands.