Peruvian Beef Broth Soup

Ingredients

• 600 gbeef shank — cubed
• 1onion
• 2carrots
• 1.8 Lbeef broth
• 2 tbspoil
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Begin by preparing your aromatics. Peel and finely chop 1 onion. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pot, stirring occasionally until it becomes translucent and releases a sweet aroma, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the onion brown, as this can alter the flavor of the soup.
2. While the onion is cooking, peel and slice 2 carrots into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. Once the onion is ready, add the carrots to the pot. Stir them in, allowing them to mingle with the softened onion for about 2 minutes, which will start to release their natural sweetness.
3. Next, prepare the beef shank. Cut the 600 g beef shank into large chunks, about 2 inches each. Add these to the pot, stirring to coat them with the oil and aromatics. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the beef begins to brown slightly on the outside, which will help develop a rich flavor in the broth.
4. Pour in 1.8 liters of beef broth, ensuring the beef and vegetables are fully submerged. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. The broth should be bubbling gently, not vigorously, which allows the flavors to meld without evaporating too quickly.
5. Simmer the soup for about 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time, the beef should become tender and easy to pull apart with a fork, and the carrots should be soft but not mushy. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing the deep, comforting flavors characteristic of Peruvian Beef Broth Soup.
6. Once the beef is tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with fine sea salt and black pepper to your liking. Remember, Peruvian home cooking often relies on tasting and adjusting, so add a little at a time until it suits your palate.
7. Finish the soup by adding a fresh touch. You can stir in a handful of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley just before serving. This will add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, savory broth, making it ready to enjoy with family or friends.