Tomato, Potato & Beef Soup Recipe

Main Ingredients

• beef brisket or shank 750g
• tomatoes 3 small (approx. 300g)
• potatoes 2 medium (approx. 350g)
• cilantro 2 sprigs
• ginger 3 slices
• Salt moderation
• Cooking wine (Shaoxing wine) moderation
• cooking oil a pinch

Steps

1. Prep

   Rinse and cut the beef. Score a cross on the bottom of the tomatoes, blanch in boiling water to peel the skin, and cut into wedges. Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks, then soak them in water to prevent browning. Slice the ginger and chop the cilantro.

   
2. Blanch

   Place the beef in a pot of cold water with a splash of cooking wine. Bring to a boil, skim off the foam thoroughly, then remove the beef and rinse it with warm water. (Chef's tip: Avoid cold water to keep the meat tender.)

   
3. Simmer

   Transfer the blanched beef to a stew pot or Dutch oven. Add ginger slices, more cooking wine, and enough boiling water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until the beef is fork-tender.

   
4. Sauté the Tomatoes

   While the beef simmers, heat a dash of oil in a frying pan. Add the tomato wedges and sauté over medium heat until they break down into a saucy paste. This is the key to a rich, reddish broth.

   
5. Combine

   Pour the beef and its broth into the pan with the sautéed tomatoes. Bring back to a boil, then simmer for another 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

   
6. Add Potatoes

   Drain the potatoes and add them to the soup. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.

   
7. Season & Serve

   Season with salt to taste just before turning off the heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

   

TCM Notes

This soup is packed with high-quality protein, iron, and vitamins. The tangy tomato broth makes it a perfect dish for restoring energy and whetting the appetite.

Suitable for：The general population can enjoy this soup. It is particularly suitable for those in periods of growth and development, post-surgery recovery, or recuperation from illness, as well as individuals with a weak constitution, shortness of breath, physical fatigue, aching muscles and bones, anemia, or a pale and dull complexion.

Not suitable for：People with infectious diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, skin sores or eczema, active pox or rashes, itching, high cholesterol, or high blood fat should avoid eating too much of it. The elderly, young children, and those with weak digestion are also advised not to consume it in large quantities.