Minced Beef and Vegetable Cuchuco Soup
Cuchuco is a thick, filling soup built on barley, vegetables, and meat — this version uses minced beef and comes together in just over 30 minutes. A long-simmered flavor develops quickly thanks to the fine grind of the beef, which distributes seasoning throughout the broth. It's a satisfying one-pot meal that works any night of the week.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin, for depth of flavor
- 1 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound minced beef grass-fed for rich flavor
- 1 cup cuchuco a blend of Andean grains and legumes
- 4 cups beef or vegetable broth preferably homemade for greater depth
- 1 cup potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground, for warmth and spice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 0.25 cup parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrots, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown. Incorporate the minced beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and cooking until browned fully, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the cuchuco, ensuring it is well coated in the beef mixture. Add the broth, diced potatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the cuchuco grains are tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and freshness.
Notes
Jen’s Tips:
- You can substitute cuchuco with a mix of quinoa and barley for a similar texture.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and use an additional cup of root vegetables or mushrooms.
Nutrition
Calories: 414kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 24gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 1525mgPotassium: 855mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5796IUVitamin C: 21mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 4mg
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