Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 potatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 8 cups water
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and potatoes to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped tomatoes, red lentils, paprika, salt, black pepper, cumin, and dried mint to the pot and stir well.
4. Pour in 8 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Serve the soup hot with lemon wedges on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables, low heat for simmering the soup.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 300
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomatoes.
- Chickpeas can be used instead of red lentils.
Variations:
- Add chopped celery to the soup for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version of the soup.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt on top of the soup before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- To save time, chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- If the soup is too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or paprika as needed.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the soup, simply heat it up in a pot over medium heat until it reaches the desired temperature.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the soup in individual bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the top.
Garnishes:
Garnish the soup with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve the soup with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Suggested side dishes:
A simple salad or roasted vegetables would be a great side dish to serve with this soup.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the soup is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken it up. If it's too thick, add more water until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Bob chorba is a traditional Bulgarian soup that is typically made with beef or lamb, vegetables, and spices.
Flavor profiles:
This soup is hearty and savory, with a slightly spicy and smoky flavor from the paprika.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this soup as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Bulgarian
Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Hearty, Comforting