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Mock Turtle Soup: History, Ingredients & How to Make It (Step-by-Step Guide)

Mock Turtle Soup


  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Mock turtle soup is a rich, hearty, and historical dish originally created as a substitute for traditional turtle soup. Made with beef, veal, and aromatic spices, this comforting soup offers a deep, savory flavor with a slightly tangy undertone. Perfect for cold weather or a nostalgic culinary experience!


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs beef shank or veal (bone-in preferred)
  • 8 cups beef broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • ½ tsp cloves
  • 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp butter or oil (for sautéing)

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra hard-boiled eggs, diced
  • Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

1️⃣ Sear the Meat

  • In a large pot, heat 1 tbsp butter or oil over medium heat.
  • Add the beef shank or veal and sear on all sides until browned (about 5 minutes per side).
  • Remove the meat and set aside.

2️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

3️⃣ Build the Broth

  • Stir in the tomato paste, bay leaves, thyme, and cloves.
  • Return the beef shank to the pot and pour in 8 cups of beef broth.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

4️⃣ Slow Cook for Rich Flavor

  • Cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours until the meat is tender and falls apart.

5️⃣ Shred the Meat

  • Remove the beef shank from the pot and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Discard any bones and return the shredded meat to the soup.

6️⃣ Final Seasoning & Eggs

  • Stir in lemon juice and chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra richness.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra egg pieces.
  • Serve with crusty bread or crackers.

Notes

✔ If using oxtail or stew beef, adjust the cooking time to 3-4 hours for tenderness.
✔ For a thicker consistency, mash some vegetables before serving.
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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