Comforting Harissa-spiced Beef and Pasta Soup is packed with fork-tender meat, plump orzo, warming spices, and bright herbs. This hearty dish, featuring the complex flavor of harissa, enhances the appeal of any menu. Whether you’re a home cook or a restaurant owner, this recipe can differentiate your culinary offerings and engage your customers.
Harissa Brings Complex Chili Heat to This Meaty Soup
The signature ingredient of this soup, harissa paste, elevates the dish to new heights with its rich, spicy undertones. Known for its robust flavor, harissa blends various chili peppers, garlic, herbs, and spices. Incorporating harissa not only adds depth to the soup but also resonates with contemporary culinary trends, making it a perfect addition for restaurants looking to captivate patrons' palates.
Quality Beef for Maximum Flavor
Using boneless beef short ribs ensures the soup remains rich and satisfying. This cut is recognized for its marbling, which breaks down during cooking, yielding fork-tender results. Butchers and grocery stores should highlight this premium ingredient, promoting it as essential for comforting dishes. Customers will appreciate having a hearty meal option that feels luxurious yet approachable.
Orzo Pasta: The Versatile Staple
Adding orzo pasta brings a unique texture that complements the soup's meaty base. Orzo offers a chewy bite that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and creamy broth, making each spoonful delightful. Grocery retailers can spotlight orzo as an adaptable pantry staple that can elevate a variety of meals, from soups to salads and beyond.
How to Prepare Harissa-Spiced Beef and Pasta Soup
Making this comforting soup only takes about 1¼ hours and serves 4 to 6 people. Here’s what you’ll need and how to prepare this delicious dish
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 1 pound boneless beef short ribs, trimmed and cut into ½-inch cubes
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons harissa paste
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6-ounce can tomato paste (about 2/3 cup)
- 15½-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup orzo pasta
- 1 large ripe tomato, cored and finely chopped
- 1 cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, plus more to serve (optional)
Cooking Steps:
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the beef short ribs in an even layer, seasoning with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Brown the meat for about 4 minutes without stirring, then continue to cook until browned all over (4 to 6 minutes).
3. Stir in the harissa paste, turmeric, and cinnamon; cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato paste, stirring until it begins to brown and stick (2 to 3 minutes). Mix in the chickpeas along with 8 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a simmer without a lid, then reduce to medium heat and cook for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate the orzo pasta and continue to cook uncovered, stirring often until the orzo and beef are tender (15 to 20 minutes).
6. Off heat, stir in the chopped tomato, parsley, lemon juice, mint, and Aleppo pepper (if using). To thin the soup, add hot water as needed.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve warm, drizzled with extra olive oil and sprinkled with Aleppo pepper for an added kick.
Elevate Your Menu with Unique Dishes
Harissa-spiced Beef and Pasta Soup not only provides a nourishing meal but can also help restaurants stand out. Utilizing harissa paste and boneless beef short ribs sets the stage for creatively reimagined comfort food. The unique combination of flavors can entice diners looking for something beyond the usual fare. Retailers can benefit from promoting these ingredients, showcasing their versatility in a variety of dishes.
Conclusion: Your Next Comfort Food Creation
This harissa-spiced beef and pasta soup recipe is perfect for cozy dinners at home or as a featured item on restaurant menus aimed at diners seeking comforting and flavorful meals. By utilizing quality ingredients such as boneless beef short ribs and orzo, you can craft a dish that resonates with customers and leaves them craving more. Try this recipe today and enjoy the comforting warmth of a bowl filled with love and spices.