Vegetarian Beef Soup

Creating a vegetarian “beef” soup can be delicious and hearty without the meat. You can achieve a robust flavor with plant-based ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe for Vegetarian “Beef” Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetarian ground beef substitute (like crumbled plant-based meat or lentils)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 cup diced potatoes
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Vegetarian “Beef”:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the vegetarian ground beef substitute and cook according to package instructions until browned. If using lentils, cook until softened.
2. Saute Vegetables:
   • Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add Tomatoes and Potatoes:
   • Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the diced potatoes and stir to combine.
4. Add Green Beans and Corn:
   • Add the frozen green beans and corn kernels to the pot. Mix well.
5. Pour in Broth:
   • Pour in the vegetable broth. If you prefer a heartier soup, you can add more broth or water.
6. Season the Soup:
   • Add dried thyme, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.
7. Simmer:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf.
9. Serve:
   • Ladle the vegetarian “beef” soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

This hearty and flavorful vegetarian “beef” soup is a satisfying alternative to traditional beef soup, perfect for those looking for plant-based options. Enjoy!