Greek Beef Soup (Kreatosoupa) Recipe

This hearty Greek Beef Soup (Kreatosoupa) brings authentic Mediterranean comfort straight to your bowl. A cherished family recipe that simmers for two hours, creating tender meat morsels and rich, aromatic broth that warms you from the inside out.

Perfect for chilly evenings or Sunday family gatherings, this traditional Greek soup serves 6-8 people and delivers pure, wholesome flavors that have stood the test of time.

Main Ingredients

• Beef: 1kg, cut into 2-inch portions for optimal tenderness
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, for sautéing and finishing
• Fresh Vegetables: 3 sliced carrots, 2-3 celery sticks, 2 chopped onions
• Potatoes: 3 medium, peeled and cubed for heartiness
• Aromatics: 2-3 bay leaves, fresh thyme, beef bouillon cube
• Citrus: Juice and zest of 1 lemon for bright flavor
• Seasonings: Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Cut beef into 5cm chunks for even cooking
2. Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot and brown the meat until nicely colored
3. Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and carrots, sauté briefly to enhance flavors
4. Build the Base: Add 1.5L water, ensuring ingredients are fully covered
5. Layer Flavors: Include celery, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and beef cube
6. Slow Simmer: Cover and cook for 2 hours, skimming foam occasionally
7. Final Touch: Finish with lemon juice, zest, and a drizzle of olive oil
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon slices while hot

Cooking Techniques

This hearty Greek soup uses a simple two-step cooking method that builds amazing flavor. First, you’ll brown the beef – this creates a rich, deep taste that makes the soup extra special. Then comes the gentle simmering, which turns the meat tender and lets all the flavors blend together beautifully. Don’t rush the simmering part – those 2 hours are magic time for the soup! Just remember to skim off any foam that forms on top for the cleanest-tasting result.

Make It Your Own

While this traditional Greek soup is perfect as is, you can adapt it to what you have on hand. Not a fan of celery? Try adding chopped fennel instead – it adds a similar fresh taste. For extra richness, you could swap regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. If you’re watching your sodium, skip the bouillon cube and use low-sodium broth instead of water. The lemon is key to the Greek flavor, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

In Greek homes, this warming soup is often served with crusty bread for dunking – so good! Add a side of simple mixed greens dressed with olive oil and lemon to make it a complete meal. Some people love mixing in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Don’t forget to put extra lemon wedges on the table – a fresh squeeze right before eating makes all the flavors pop!

Storage Tips

This soup gets even better the next day! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The potatoes might soak up some of the broth, so when reheating, add a splash of water or stock. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just leave out the lemon juice and add it fresh when serving. Warm it up slowly on the stovetop for the best results.

Greek Beef Soup (Kreatosoupa)

Bushra

A hearty traditional Greek beef soup with vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon finish

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Soups

Cuisine Greek

Servings 6 portions

Equipment

• Large pot

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 kg beef, cut in portions (35 oz.)
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut in slices
• 2-3 sticks celery, cut in slices
• 2 white onions, finely chopped
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut in cubes
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 lemon, zested
• salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• To prepare this Greek beef soup recipe, first cut the beef into 5cm (2 inches) pieces.
• Heat a large pot over high heat. Add the olive oil and beef and sauté, until nicely coloured.
• Add the finely chopped onions and carrots and sauté for 1 more minute.
• Pour in the same pot approx. 1.5L of water. (The water should cover the ingredients.)
• Add the celery, potatoes, bay leaves, thyme and beef cube. Stir well with a wooden spoon.
• Place the lid on, turn the heat down and let the beef soup simmer for approx. 2 hours. Check once in a while to remove the foam from the surface with a spoon. Add more water if needed as it evaporates.
• After the beef is done add the lemon juice, lemon zest, a splash of olive oil and season to taste.
• Serve while still warm with a slice of lemon and chopped thyme. Enjoy!

Keyword Greek cuisine, hearty soup, Mediterranean beef soup, traditional kreatosoupa, winter comfort food

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