Every once in a while, I like to share recipes with my readers. Today, I have a pretty good for you. When it comes to health food, few dishes match the comforting and nutritionally rich experience of a meticulously crafted beef soup. Today, I am excited to unveil my “Restorative Beef Medley” creation, designed specifically to offer numerous health benefits.

This soup, meticulously composed with an assortment of wholesome ingredients, guarantees a harmonious blend of flavors and nutrients that actively contribute to your overall well-being. In many ways, each ingredient is pivotal in delivering a powerhouse of essential nutrients strategically chosen to fortify the immune system, offering restorative health benefits for the mind and body. I can prove it! Here’s what this culinary masterpiece brings to your table:

Protein Content: The combination of beef stew meat, steak, ground beef, and diced beef liver in this medley provides a robust dose of high-quality protein. Essential for muscle repair and overall body function, this protein-packed ensemble supports a resilient and healthy physique.

Iron: Beef, particularly the inclusion of beef liver, enriches this medley with heme iron—a form readily absorbed by the body. Adequate iron intake is crucial for preventing iron deficiency anemia, ensuring vitality and sustained energy.

Zinc: A virtuoso in immune support, beef delivers a substantial amount of zinc. This essential mineral is pivotal in immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis, fortifying the body’s defenses against external threats.

Lycopene: The tomatoes provide a hefty dose of lycopene, which offers potent antioxidant defense, helps lower blood pressure and reduce LDL cholesterol, reduces the risk of certain cancers, aids in collagen formation, reduces the risk of age-related macular degeneration, reduces inflammation, likely prevents neurodegenerative diseases, and contributes to overall immune health.

Collagen: The inclusion of beef stew meat and bone broth provides the body with collagen—an essential component for joint health, skin elasticity, and the overall function of connective tissues. A restorative elixir for physical resilience. Beyond its structural benefits, collagen is recognized for its potential neuroprotective roles in conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Antioxidants: Shiitake mushrooms and tomatoes bring a flourish of antioxidants to the table. Selenium and lycopene, amongst others, act as guardians, shielding cells from oxidative stress and promoting longevity.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A subtle undercurrent of omega-3 fatty acids, dependent on the beef type, adds a layer of heart-healthy benefits. These acids play a crucial role in supporting cardiovascular health and mitigating inflammation.

Neurological Support: Methionine-rich ingredients in this medley contribute to cysteine synthesis—a glutathione precursor. This critical antioxidant is also called our “master molecule” because it does so many wonderful things in the body. Best of all, methionine, cysteine, and glutathione all extend their influence on neurological well-being, potentially supporting cognitive health.

Vitamins and Minerals: This soup also packs a punch regarding vitamins and minerals from the beef, liver, and Shiitake mushrooms. For example:

• Vitamin E: Supports immune function and acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.
• Vitamin D: Important for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.
• Magnesium: Plays a role in muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and bone health.
• Calcium: Essential for bone health, blood clotting, and muscle function.
• Potassium: Important for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and fluid balance.
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Involved in brain development, function, and the formation of
  neurotransmitters.
• Folate (Vitamin B9): Essential for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell formation.
• Phosphorus: Critical for bone health, energy metabolism, and acid-base balance.

And Don’t Forget the Salt! Sodium is an electrolyte that helps maintain the balance of fluids both inside and outside cells. It helps generate electrical signals that enable communication between nerve cells. Moreover, sodium works in conjunction with other electrolytes like potassium to regulate blood pressure, and it helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance, ensuring optimal pH levels for various physiological processes.

Of course, the list goes on, but you get the idea. Ultimately, we are feeding the body to feed the mind and feeding the mind to feed the body! It’s pretty awesome, right? Well, that’s why I call it a “Restorative Beef Medley.” Best of all, it tastes delicious! Now, let’s see about making it.

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 pound (225g) steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound (225g) ground beef
• 1/4 pound (113g) diced beef liver (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, sliced or diced
• 3 cloves garlic (black garlic if available), minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups bone broth (homemade if you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for added umami)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (for thickening)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Serves: 6-8

Instructions:

1. Brown the Meats:

• Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Brown the beef stew meat first, allowing each side to sear properly, then remove and set aside.
• In the same pot, brown the sliced steak and ground beef. Add the diced beef liver last, cooking until just browned. Remove all meats and set aside.

2. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms:

• In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed.
• Sauté the minced garlic and Shiitake mushrooms until the mushrooms are tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Deglaze and Combine Ingredients:

• Deglaze the pot with a splash of balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
• Add the diced tomatoes and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
• Return the browned meats to the pot.

4. Season and Simmer:

• Pour in the bone broth and add the dried thyme and rosemary.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meats to become tender.

5. Thicken the Soup:

• Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for added richness.
• If desired, use an immersion blender to puree a small portion of the soup to achieve a thicker texture while leaving some chunks intact.

6. Final Adjustments and Serve:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a little more vinegar or salt if needed to balance the flavors.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
• Ladle the thickened and flavorful soup into bowls and serve hot.

Notes:

• Liver Sensitivity: Liver is not for everyone. Reduce the amount of beef liver if the flavor is too strong, or omit it if your physician has instructed you not to consume it.
• Acid Balance: The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the meats and the depth of the broth. Start small and adjust to taste.
• VERY Filling: This is very nutrient-dense. You likely will not be able to eat a lot of it or will feel comfortably ‘full’ relatively quickly.

So, there you have it. The “Restorative Beef Medley!” It’s not just soup; it’s a delicious, filling, hearty, body-nourishing, omnivorous treat without all the anti-nutrients that bring many other soups down. Try it out, and see for yourself. Many of you will actually feel the difference.

Be sure to check out Nature’s Intent.

Disclaimer: Before consuming the “Restorative Beef Medley,” it is crucial to exercise caution and be mindful of individual allergies. This recipe encompasses many ingredients, including beef, liver, mushrooms, tomatoes, and various spices. If you, or anyone partaking, have known allergies to any of these components, of course, you should either avoid or modify the recipe accordingly. Always prioritize personal well-being and take necessary precautions that align with your health requirements.

Dr. Robertson is a health researcher and educator, not a physician. The information provided here is not medical advice, a professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, or service to you or any other individual. The information provided is for educational and anecdotal purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or professional care. You should not use the information in place of a visit, call consultation, or the advice of your physician or other healthcare providers. Dr. Robertson is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis, or additional information, services, or product you obtain or utilize. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN.