Tantalizing Cow Heel Soup: A Hearty Dish with a Unique Flair
Do you ever get the craving for something a bit different than the norm? Something that will really tantalize the tastebuds, something both hearty and full of flavour? Look no further than cow heel soup – the lesser known, but just as delicious, cousin of traditional beef soup.
Cow heel soup is a classic example of rural cooking, offering an affordable and nutritious meal. The main ingredients in this soup are beef feet, bone marrow and potatoes, making it a hearty, comforting and protein-packed dish. Along with the beef, it is then combined with plenty of vegetables, fresh herbs, garlic and a scattering of sour cream to add a hint of tanginess.
Making cow heel soup is a simple process, yet requires a bit of patience. Firstly, you need to prepare the beef; wash thoroughly and then cover with cold water in a large pot. Simmer for around two hours, until the bones begin to make the broth a deep golden. Next, add the remaining ingredients, except for the sour cream and herbs, and allow to cook for a further hour. For best flavour, it’s good to add seasonings at the end. Once everything is cooked, blend the soup in a food processor or use an immersion blender. To finish off the soup, be sure to serve with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Though cow heel soup may not be for everyone, it makes for an alternative yet hearty dish that is sure to become a firm favourite. This soup has been around for centuries, with its roots firmly planted in Eastern European cooking traditions. In some cultures, it is known as a soup that aids the healing process, particularly following illness. For the more adventurous foodies out there, this soup should absolutely be on your culinary bucket list.
For a little variety, feel free to substitute beef feet for cow tongues or shanks– great additions to this delectable soup. Plus, if you’re looking for other variations on the classic, why not whip up a couple of other traditional soups, such as fish soup and lentil soup.
If you want a dish that will put a smile on your face and leave your stomach satisfied, cow heel soup is definitely worth giving a go. All it takes is a few simple ingredients, a little bit of patience, and you’ll have a hearty and flavourful meal that’s sure to delight.
Recipe: Cow Heel Soup
Ingredients:
• 2 lbs of beef feet
• 2 tablespoons of bone marrow
• 4 potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 onions, minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 carrot, peeled and diced
• 4 cups of chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream, for serving
• Fresh herbs, for serving
Method:
1. Clean the beef feet thoroughly and place in a large pot. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for two hours.
2. Add potatoes, onions, celery, garlic and carrot to the pot, and continue to simmer for an hour.
3. Remove the beef feet and pick out the bone marrow. Return the marrow to the pot and stir.
4. Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it is smooth.
5. Add the chicken stock, olive oil, salt and pepper and stir. Simmer for a further 15 minutes.
6. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
