Vegetarian Beef Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tbsp canola oil
• 3-4 pounds beef-style seitan or a similar meat substitute
• 7-8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp marjoram
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 2 medium potatoes, cubed
• 1/4 pound green beans, trimmed and cut
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (make sure it’s a vegetarian brand, as traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies)

Directions:

1. Cook the Meat Substitute:
   • Heat the canola oil in a Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium to medium-high heat. Add the meat substitute and cook until it’s browned on all sides.
   • Add about 3 cups of vegetable broth (just enough to cover the substitute), ground black pepper, and bay leaves. Let it simmer for the time according to the meat substitute package instructions until it’s well-cooked.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In a separate pot, heat 1 tbsp of canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots; cook for 5-7 minutes or until softened.
   • Reduce the heat to low. Add garlic, parsley, oregano, marjoram, thyme, and basil; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Combine and Simmer:
   • To the vegetable mixture, add the remaining vegetable broth, potatoes, green beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce.
   • Carefully add the broth from the pot where the meat substitute was cooked, making sure to discard the bay leaves.
   • Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
4. Add the “Meat”:
   • Remove the meat substitute from its cooking liquid and, if necessary, cut it into bite-sized pieces or shred it according to the texture you’re going for.
   • Add the prepared meat substitute to the soup and simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
5. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning of the soup as needed. Then, serve hot with your choice of bread or crackers.

This vegetarian “beef-style” soup should offer the heartiness of a traditional beef soup with the benefits of being plant-based. Enjoy your meal!