I have started using beef stock in a soup, but need more flavor and ran out of beef bullion. What can I use?!
Answers: I am making a vegetable soup, and started with 8 beef bullion cubes (I'm making a LOT of soup) but now I'm finding that the soup needs more flavor. Is there anything I can add to give it more flavor that won't ruin the soup? I am using barley, celery, corn, green beans, garbanzo beans, red pepper, orange pepper, tomato, mushroom, spinach, and carrots in my soup.
I don't recommend bullion cubes. Try the swanson beef stock in the box. The chicken stock is good also. Sometimes when I make beef vege soup I use V8 juice. It rocks as a base.
Throw a couple bay leaves in there and a few splashes of worchestshire sauce. ahhhhhhhhhh I can smell it from here.
red wine, maybe
or you could try chicken stock
Do you have any canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, juice or paste? That would add a lot of flavor.
If you have time, go to a gourmet shop and get some beef demi-glace. It's stronger than boullion and has a richer flavor. I've used it for sauces before and they've been excellent!
you could try making your stock the traditional way, oil, onions, carrots, celery, and water form boiled beef bones. then strain the broth, then you could add your beef boullions if your not satisfied with the flavor. and of course, salt and pepper.
Definently tomatoes, canned or tomato paste. Try adding a little salt? sometimes the flavor is there, but you need a little salt to bring it out. Sea salt is best.
Use some garlic, rosemery, onion{yellow diced}, salt, pepper, celery salt adds a killer flavor to all soups.Also add a bit of white wine. All of these are to be at your comfort zone. But all would be a great mixture for your soup.
portobello mushrooms or shitake mushrooms add a rich slighty beefy taste,
a cheap dry red wine also adds flavor,
use white pepper instead of black,
parsnips add a slightly sweet flavor,
fresh or powdered garlic, (not garlic salt)
crushed red (chili peppers) for a little heat,
basil, oregano, bay leaves help,
leeks or onions help too
Believe it or not the quality of the veggies counts too so the better the veggie the better the soup!
Try soya sauce
I'm assuming you are in the middle of this and can't run out to the store. You can add chicken broth if you have it. Also, onions, garlic, bay leaves, sage, and black pepper.
Your using such wonderful vegetables. Next time try some real beef broth. I like Pacific Organic Beef Broth in a box; it has a lot of flavor. You can even pick up a package of ox tails from the supermarket and make your own broth!
I always put a little hot sauce in our's, it adds flavor with a little kick too! Yum!