Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pot au Feu – French Peasant Soup


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

  • Author: Jessica Dang
  • Total Time: 230 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6-8 1x
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Hearty beef and root vegetable stew, simmered to perfection. Serve with crusty bread and mustard for a classic French meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 10 sprigs of parsley
  • 10 sprigs of thyme
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1 lbs (454 g) beef brisket
  • 6 pieces of oxtail
  • 6 pieces of beef short ribs
  • 1 beef shank
  • 3 pieces of marrow bones
  • 4 links of Polish kielbasa sausages
  • 2 white onions, peeled and halved
  • 5 large carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 small head of savoy cabbage, halved
  • 1 lbs (454 g) baby potatoes
  • Country bread, warmed or toasted
  • Salted butter, at room temperature
  • Strong mustard or horseradish mixed with sour cream

Instructions

Prepare the Bouquet Garni

  1. Wrap the garlic, bay leaves, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, cloves, and black peppercorns in cheesecloth and securely tie the cheesecloth using kitchen twine.

Begin the Soup

  1. In a large stockpot, combine the bouquet garni, brisket, oxtail, short ribs, shank, marrow bones, onions, carrots, and celery; cover with water; bring to a boil; skim off any scum; reduce heat to a simmer; cover and simmer for 2.5 to 3 hours, checking occasionally for tenderness.

Add Remaining Ingredients

  1. Add the kielbasa sausages, cabbage, and baby potatoes; simmer for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, until vegetables are tender.

Serving

  1. Transfer the meats and vegetables to a separate tray or platter; cut into smaller portions or serve whole; taste and adjust broth seasoning with salt and pepper; ladle broth into bowls; serve with warmed country bread, room temperature salted butter, and either strong mustard or a creamy horseradish mixture.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, sear the beef before adding it to the pot.
  • Leftover Pot au Feu broth can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and used as a base for other soups or stews.
  • Feel free to substitute other hearty root vegetables like parsnips or turnips for some of the carrots or potatoes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 210 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Braising
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 10
  • Protein: 40
  • Cholesterol: 150