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
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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