Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 pounds beef ribs (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks (green apple for a tart hint works best)
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Sear the Beef Ribs
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef ribs with salt and pepper and sear them on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove the ribs from the pot and set them aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Simmer the Soup
- Return the seared beef ribs to the pot.
- Add beef broth, water, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender.
4. Add the Carrots and Apples
- Stir in the carrots and apple chunks.
- Continue simmering for an additional 30 minutes until the carrots are tender and the apple has softened, adding natural sweetness to the broth.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or celery for extra texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you want to introduce some heat to balance the sweetness of the apples.
- Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for added freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
