QUEEN VICTORIA'S BROWN WINDSOR SOUP

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Queen Victoria's Brown Windsor Soup image

The very soup reputed to have built the British Empire and one that was oh-so-fashionable in Victorian and Edwardian times! This soup was served daily, until recently, in the dining cars of British Rail. This classic hearty soup was also very popular at the castle (Windsor) in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Queen Victoria was particularly fond of it, and it regularly appeared on state banquet menus. However, this recipe has not had very good press over recent years - drab tinned brands and indifferent, greasy soups served in some lower end restaurants have given it a bad culinary name! I hope to redress that with this authentic recipe from Windsor in Berkshire, England - home to the Royal Windsor Castle. A rich and hearty soup, this makes a meal in itself when served with crusty bread, scones or bread rolls.

Provided by French Tart

Categories     Stocks

Time 2h10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 lb stewing beef
1/4 lb lamb steak (or mutton if available)
4 cups good beef stock
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
1 parsnip, peeled and sliced
2 tablespoons flour
1 bouquet garni
salt and pepper
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 cup cooked rice (optional)
1/4 cup madeira wine (optional)

Steps:

  • Cut the lamb and beef into 1-inch cubes and roll in the flour.
  • Place the butter in a large saucepan over a low to medium heat. (It is important not to turn the heat up too high since the butter burns easily. We want it to go brown, but not black!) Fry the meat off for 3 minutes and then add the rest of the flour and fry for a minute longer until the butter/flour is a golden brown.
  • Now add the sliced vegetables and stir in the stock, Throw in the bouquet garni, partially cover the saucepan, and simmer for 2 hours.
  • Puree the soup before adding the cooked rice if using; serve the soup piping hot with assorted breads and rolls. Traditionally a tablespoon of Madeira would be stirred into the soup at the table.

Divine Uzodinma
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I've made this soup several times now, and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love how elegant and impressive it looks when served, yet it's surprisingly easy to make. Definitely a go-to recipe for special occasions.


Chadi Merhej
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This soup is a true labor of love. It takes some time and effort to make, but the result is absolutely worth it. The flavors are rich and complex, and the soup is incredibly satisfying.


Twitch Partner _
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I'm a vegetarian, so I made a few adjustments to the recipe. I used vegetable broth instead of beef stock and added some chopped zucchini and spinach. It turned out wonderfully! Can't wait to try it again with different veggies.


Nahid alli
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This soup is the perfect comfort food. It's warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. I can't imagine a better way to spend a cozy evening.


Ose Nice
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I love that this recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients. It's a great way to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without breaking the bank.


Trishanie Simpson
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I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this soup was to make. I had it on the table in under an hour, and it was a hit with my family. Will definitely be making it again.


Halimatu Alhassan
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I've tried many Windsor soup recipes, but this one takes the cake. The addition of Madeira wine adds a depth of flavor that I've never experienced before. Simply superb.


josiah animates
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This recipe is a keeper. It's hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor. I especially love the hint of sweetness from the carrots. Perfect for a cold winter day.


Fozan Arif
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I was a bit hesitant about the combination of beef and vegetables, but I took a chance and I'm so glad I did. The flavors melded perfectly, and the soup was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend!


hope kuffor
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I love how versatile this recipe is. I added some chopped mushrooms and a bit of thyme, and it turned out fantastic. Can't wait to experiment with other variations.


Wasiq Sadat
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This soup is a true testament to Queen Victoria's refined taste. It's elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly light. I can see why it was a favorite of hers.


Kami baba
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I'm not much of a cook, but this recipe was incredibly easy to follow. Even I managed to create a delicious and impressive dish. My family loved it, and I'm sure I'll be making it again soon.


Darcie Holland
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5 stars! This recipe is a masterpiece. I followed it to a T, and the result was nothing short of spectacular. The flavors blended beautifully, and the soup had a lovely velvety texture. Thank you for sharing this gem!


Mahi Virk
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Wow, what a culinary journey! I've never had anything quite like this. The soup was hearty and comforting, with a unique flavor profile that I can't quite describe. Definitely a new favorite.


Sania Kamran
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Absolutely delightful! The soup turned out to be even better than I had imagined. The subtle sweetness from the carrots and parsnips was perfectly complemented by the richness of the beef stock. Highly recommended.


Bozo
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Oh, my! This recipe is a real keeper. A true taste of history! The result was so creamy and savory, with the perfect balance of flavors. My friends were all raving about it.


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