In this fast-paced world, sometimes we crave the comfort of tradition, the warmth of nostalgia, and the simplicity of bygone days. Enter Perpetual Soup, a pioneer recipe that will bring a piece of history into your modern kitchen. This enduring culinary tradition allows you to savor a delicious and nourishing bowl of soup today and then store the remaining base to continue simmering on your stovetop whenever you desire. Perfect for busy weekdays when you need a wholesome meal in a pinch or cozy weekends when you want the aroma of homemade soup wafting through your home, Perpetual Soup will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 pounds of beef bones
– 1 onion, peeled and quartered
– 2 carrots, washed and cut into chunks
– 2 celery stalks, washed and chopped
– 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
– 3 cloves of garlic, peeled
– 1 bay leaf
– 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns
– Salt, to taste
– Water, as needed
**Instructions:**
1. Start by preparing your beef bones. If you have leftover bones from a roast or steak, they will work perfectly. Otherwise, ask your local butcher for beef bones suitable for making stock. Place the bones in a large stockpot.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, leek, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns to the pot with the bones. These aromatic vegetables will enhance the flavor of your perpetual soup base.
3. Fill the pot with water until it covers all the ingredients by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to season the soup base. Remember, you can always adjust the seasoning later, so be conservative with the salt at this stage.
4. Bring the pot to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let the soup base simmer uncovered for at least 6 hours. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will become, so feel free to let it cook for up to 12 hours.
5. As the water evaporates during cooking, you can top it up with more water as needed to keep the ingredients submerged. This perpetual cooking method ensures that you always have a pot of soup ready to enjoy.
6. After the initial cooking time, taste the soup base and adjust the seasoning with more salt if necessary. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor, or a splash of vinegar for a touch of acidity.
7. When you’re ready to enjoy a bowl of soup, simply strain out a portion of the soup base, reheat it on the stove, and customize it with your favorite vegetables, meats, or noodles. The possibilities are endless!
8. Remember, as long as you keep the perpetual soup base simmering on the stove, you can continue to ladle out portions and replenish it with water and fresh ingredients to keep the cycle going.
9. Store any excess soup base in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in smaller containers for longer storage. Just remember to bring it back to a boil and simmer before using it again.
Perpetual Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to connect with the past, savor the present, and ensure a delicious meal is never far away. So, embrace the tradition of the pioneers and let the simmering pot on your stove bring you endless comfort and nourishment. Enjoy the timeless flavors and cozy moments this recipe will surely bring into your home.
