How to Keep Warm in Wisconsin With This Hearty, Easy to Make Soup

Wisconsin winters can be fun, but they can also be bitterly cold. Between winter activities and keeping the sidewalks clear, Wisconsinites spend a ton of time outside. It’s nice to come in from the crisp air and thaw out with a hot bowl of soup that is nutritious but still taste great. This is an easy-to-make soup that, once the prep work is done, can simmer while you clear the sidewalk.

What You Need From the Store

· 3 small beef soup bones

· 1 bunch of kale

· 1 box oyster mushrooms

· 2 lb stew beef meat

· 1 large onion

· 3 cloves garlic

· 1 package each of fresh sage, thyme, and rosemary

· 1 bunch celery

· 1 small bag of baby carrots

· 2 cups uncooked pearl barley

· 1 box of beef stock

· salt and pepper to taste

What You Need in the Kitchen

· large soup kettle with lid

· cutting board

· chef’s knife

· ladle

· zester or grater

· measuring cup

Slow-cooked broth to warm the soul

Start by building the base of the soup with broth. Add the beef stock, bones, and 2 cups of water to the kettle and turn on medium-high heat. While bones and stock are heating up, wash and trim herbs and grate or zest garlic. Once the liquid is at a rolling boil, add herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper to the pot. Turn the heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 2 hours. This would be a great time to get some shoveling done. Remove the bones and herbs from the liquid.



Make it Hearty and Healthy With Veggies

1. Wash and cut kale into small bite-sized pieces and add to the pot

2. Clean and cut baby carrots in half or thirds and add them to the pot

3. Peel onion and dice and put it into the pot

4. Wash and cut celery into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot

5. Put beef stew meat into pot trimming away any excess fat

6. Add pearl barley to soup and bring to a boil for 30 minutes

7. While soup boils, wash and trim oyster mushrooms into bite-sized pieces

8. Place cut up oyster mushrooms into the soup and boil for another 10 minutes

9. Turn down the heat and allow to simmer for another 30-60 minutes

The soup is ready when the beef is cooked, and the vegetables are tender. You can save time by washing and cutting up all vegetables and meat while the bone broth is cooking and set aside in a bowl in the refrigerator. Because of the bones and other ingredients, this is a very healthy soup with many health benefits, but it will warm you up after a long day outside. It is great reheated for lunch or dinner for several days after. Give it a try and comment make sure to share it with your friends and comment!