Thursday, January 17, 2013

TACO SOUP & SEASONING MIX

Tonight we needed a quick meal...  I had already thawed 2 lbs. of grass-fed ground beef after work last night in preparation for tonight.  The rest came together rather quickly as I grabbed a little of this and a little of that from the frig., chopped it in the food processor (the NINJA) and tossed it into the stock pot.  I left the soup to simmer for half an hour until we had all gathered for dinner.  The recipe has the deliciousness of taco flavoring without the beans and corn to irritate and enflame the gut!

What a big hit with the family! They were chowing down on second and third helpings... with barely enough leftover for lunches tomorrow.  In my book, that is a culinary success!!!

As always, enjoy the simplicity of the Paleo lifestyle.



TACO SOUP (Paleo, of course!)

2 lbs. grass-fed ground beef
1 onion, finely chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
2 Tbs. minced garlic (or 6 cloves)
2 stalks of celery, chopped
3 (15oz) cans of organic stewed tomatoes
1/2 cup red wine (make sure it is good enough to drink!)
2 cups organic beef broth
2 cups fresh organic salsa
2-4 Tablespoons taco seasoning

* In a large stock pot (stainless steel or cast iron), brown the ground beef over medium high heat.  Drain off any grease and discard. (Note: If your meat is super lean, add 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil to aid in browning.)
* Finely chop the vegetables with a knife or in a food processor.  Coarsely chop the stewed tomatoes. Add the vegetables to the stockpot with the beef.  Stir in the wine, beef broth, salsa and taco seasoning. 
* Allow soup to simmer for 30 mins. or more to cook the vegetables and blend the flavors.
* Serve with a salad of mixed greens and homemade vinaigrette.


TACO SEASONING (Paleo)

1 Tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Store in a glass, airtight container. Yields about 2 3/4 tablespoons.
To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat.


Photo credit to homesteadrevival.blogspot.com and thegirlwhoateeverything
Recipe source: w.lynne
Taco Seasoning Recipe source: allrecipes.com