Here’s a comforting and flavorful recipe for Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup. This dish combines the richness of beef ribs with the natural sweetness of apples and carrots, creating a hearty and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs beef ribs (bone-in, cut into sections)
- 4 medium carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 6 cups beef broth (or water with beef bouillon)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Ribs:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef ribs with salt and pepper.
- Brown the beef ribs on all sides (about 6-8 minutes), then remove them from the pot and set them aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add Broth and Spices:
- Return the beef ribs to the pot. Add the beef broth, dried thyme, ground cumin, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender and falling off the bone.
- Add Apples:
- Once the beef is tender, add the chopped apples to the pot and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes. The apples will soften and infuse the broth with a sweet, fruity flavor.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove the beef ribs from the pot and shred the meat off the bones. Return the meat to the soup, discarding the bones.
- If you like a tangy flavor, add the apple cider vinegar at this stage.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or thyme if needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion has a good mix of beef, carrots, apples, and broth. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- You can use a slow cooker: After browning the beef ribs and sautéing the onions and garlic, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- For added depth of flavor, you can also roast the beef ribs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes before adding them to the pot.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
Enjoy your Apple Carrot Beef Rib Soup – a perfect dish for cozy dinners!