Pioneer Soup
This easy healthy recipe brings the warmth and heartiness of classic frontier cooking to your kitchen. Filled with tender beef, sweet corn, carrots, and fluffy dumplings simmered in a rich broth, it’s perfect for a cool evening.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb 1 lb (450 g) beef stew meat, cubed or chicken if preferred
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 large 2 large potatoes, cubed
- 2 cups 2 cups corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (15 oz) 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 tsp 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup 1 cup cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup sour cream for topping
- Chopped parsley or chives for garnish
For the Dumplings
- 1 cup 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add the onion to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Building the Soup
- Add carrots, potatoes, corn, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Stir well and return the beef to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 45 minutes or until the beef and vegetables are tender.
Making the Dumplings
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter to form a soft dough.
- Drop spoonfuls onto the simmering soup, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until fluffy.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in cooked beef bacon or turkey bacon, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and remove from heat.
- Spoon into bowls, top with sour cream, and garnish with parsley or chives.
Notes
Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slowly on the stove for best results. Freeze the soup without the dumplings for later use.