For a steak and ale soup with mushrooms to develop into a rich, comforting and nourishing meal, it must undergo a transformation where the raw ingredients, under certain processes, are changed into what will ultimately become a flavorful and warming soup. Life is no different. To become wiser, kinder, more mature and more merciful, one must undergo a process of transformation as well, one which will keep the flow of life moving in a forward way, inspiring growth.
There’s a certain subtle flavor that this young bud of a year already contains within it, or perhaps a sort of slight vibration that creates a quiet knowingness in me that this will be quite the transformative year, on a personal level.
Changes are coming, desires are awaking.
It’s not even that I can quite put my finger on it exactly, but I can feel things swirling in the atmosphere that surrounds me; I can feel life moving, shaking, flowing, pushing me forward into the future, towards a further evolution, one where all of the small, seemingly insignificant changes that are taking place in me now, the slight bubbling and simmering, will culminate in a fuller transformation of me in the near future.
I love the idea of transformation, of going from one state to another, of shifting my shape, changing my form, becoming a new creation, all because certain processes are applied which then in turn coax changes to take place, which then urge a new state of being to emerge out of that.
It is the glorious “cooking process” of life; one where a little heat, or a little pressure, or a little fermentation, or a little flame, will sear, tenderize, aerate, and soften the ingredient (me) changing it into something mouthwatering, pleasurable and flavorful to partake in—something more rich and complex, more nourishing ultimately, than it was before the process was applied.
And there is fresh hope in that.
To witness the process of transformation (whether in one’s self or in another), is to experience the idea of life evolving and progressing; it is seeing with one’s own eyes that all is possible in life, and knowing, down to one’s very marrow, that one is met where one’s willingness begins.
What magic does this year hold within it? What possibilities?
And what will this woman that I am look like once I accept a gentle simmering to envelop me and slowly begin transforming?
My hope is that I will come out of the process more tender, more merciful, more confident, and more comfortable wearing the skin that I’ve been given to wear; and may I wear it proudly, and wisely, and with an abundance of discernment.
Here, today, I offer up my willingness to start my process…
Taste what’s good and pass it on.
Ingrid
Steak and Ale Soup with Mushrooms
by Ingrid Beer
Print RecipeYield: Serves about 4
Ingredients:
• 2 rib eye steaks (about 1 pound each), trimmed of excess fat and cubed
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 4 tablespoons flour, divided use
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons avocado (or olive) oil
• 2 small white onions, quartered and sliced
• 16 ounces (1 pound) sliced mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup ale
• 6 cups beef stock, hot
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Preparation:
-Add the cubed steak to a large bowl, sprinkle with a couple of good pinches of salt and black pepper, as well as 2 tablespoons of the flour, and toss to coat.
-Place a large soup pot over medium-high heat, add in the butter and the oil, and once melted together and super hot, add in the steak cubes and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes or so (steak should be rare on the inside, you only want color on the outside); remove from pot and set aside.
-Add into the pot a drizzle more oil if needed, and add in the onions and the mushrooms, along with a pinch or two of salt and pepper, and saute those together for about 10-12 minutes or so, until slightly golden.
-Stir in the garlic, and once aromatic, stir in the Italian seasoning, and add in the cup of ale; allow the ale to simmer vigorously for about 5 minutes or so, until it reduces and thickens slightly.
-Sprinkle in the remaining 2 tablespoons of the flour and whisk to blend, followed by the hot beef stock; stir together and then bring to a simmer over medium heat, allowing the soup to simmer uncovered for about 20-22 minutes so that it slightly reduces.
-Turn off the heat and return the browned steak back into the pot with it’s juices; allow the soup to sit for about 5 minutes or so before serving, just to allow the steak to cook through a bit more in the heat of the soup (you want it to remain tender—medium-rare to medium—and not become overcooked).
-Finish with the parsley and the thyme, ladle into bowls, and enjoy with some crusty bread and a cold ale!
Ingrid ~ what beautiful writing. What beautiful reflections. This is so intriguing and must be for you as well. Do you have guidance for this journey? It’s quite a process. I know for me, I feel myself moving through more layers, seeking my authent Self. I, too, don’t know what I will look like, but I’m liking the process. It does stink at times though, right?!
“The ordinary moments of our daily life may appear commonplace, but in reality they are not so; they carry enormous significance. To polish a pair of shoes, to serve a helping of apple pie, to break bread, to chop firewood- these can be lordly activities. Any action performed with a sense of reverence, of care and of pleasure, can become what I would call a sacrament. Zen, in particular, lays emphasis on ‘everyday life’ as the real path to the great mystery. One of its Masters, Joshu, replied to a question about the true nature of the Great Way, the Tao, by saying, “Our everyday life, that is the Tao.” It is the worship of the moment’s duration, inviolate, detached, and passionate. It is the observation of the sunlight on a blade of grass, the sight of a beetle crawling across a leaf; the worship of the day’s most commonplace events…” from ~ John Lane, from the “Art of Commonplace” in The Spirit of Silence
Ingrid, I do wish we were not on separate coasts. How sweet would it be to meet up for coffee and chat the morning away. I send my support to you as you process all that this time brings.
Take care, my blog sister. Love to you- Roseanne
Sweet Roseanne, leave it to you to write such a deep and thoughtful response…beautiful, beautiful words you shared. Transformation is quite the process, you’re right…my husband and I tend to go through these times together, which makes it doubly reflective; we lean on our Creator, and really try and keep our eyes and ears open to all the subtle things that are happening around us. And as you mentioned in that eloquent and rich quote above, life and it’s meaning is truly found in the “common place” moments in life; I am a huge believer in that! Those are the moments that make up a totality, make up who we are, who we will become. I thank you so much for sharing that profound excerpt, as well as where you, personally, are on your own journey. And I thank you for being the wonderful person that you are—the caring, thoughtful, insightful human being, and sharing that with us here. Many blessings to you, sweet “blog sister”…here’s to continued growth and wisdom in all of our lives!
Love both of your posts…..and love the visual of the transformation. I am so glad that God continues to transform our hearts to be more like Him. The “common place” things in this sweet gift of life are so often the things we take for granted. After reading Ann Voscamp’s devotional “1,000 Gifts”, it has helped me so much to write down those gifts….the “common place” things that i would ordinarily pass by unnoticed….there’s something about writing it down that gives purpose, helps me “lean into” this very moment….this sweet life. So many gifts….if we just take the time to open them! In this fast paced and hurried world we live in…..i pray i can “lean in” and live this life well. It’s truly such a gift! Create in my a clean heart…..a NEW heart….transformation, not conforming to this world….finding the me He created me to be. Thank you for your beautiful picture of transformation. As i make this soup tonight for my dinner guests, i will remember your words.
Hi Cindy, what you shared is so very lovely; thank you. May we all learn to lean into those nourishing & transforming things in our lives, and indeed become the beautiful creation we were created to be. May you & your guests be comforted & blessed by this meal.
Hi Ingrid, your recipe was so delicious. I have made it several times.
I have a friend that is gluten intolerant.
I was wondering if I could replace the flour with corn starch. I’m not sure about the same amount as the flour ?
Thank you for your lovely posts.
You certainly make my day.
Sande
Hi Sande, I’m so very happy you’ve been enjoying the recipe! And thank you for the lovely words as well. Nothing makes my day more than to know that the posts and recipes make someone else’s. 🙂
I love that you’d like to prepare this soup for a friend, and yes, the cornstarch is the perfect substitution. I would probably add two extra tablespoons of it just to be sure, one for tossing the steak with, and one for adding into the pot. (So 6 tablespoons instead of the original 4.)
You’ll toss half of it with the steak before browning it, and then for the remaining amount that goes in before adding the beef stock, mix that with a little cold water (maybe a tablespoon or two) to create more of a “paste” before adding it in. Cornstarch does better this way.
It’ll be a little different, but I think this should work.
Happy cooking to you, Sande! And thank you so much for your readership!
Hi Ingrid! I’m so glad to have stumbled across your blog and I can’t wait to try this recipe. I was wondering, would I be able to substitute chuck steak for rib eye? I know it is a tougher cut of meat, so would you recommend altering the directions at all? Thank you again for the wonderful recipe!
Hi Mia, I’m glad you stumbled across it, too! You can certainly substitute whatever you may have on hand; and yes, you’d alter the time with a tougher piece of beef. Whenever I cook with beef stew meat (or any tougher piece of meat) for example, I follow the same process with the preliminary browning, but then I return the meat back to the pot with the rest of the ingredients and simmer gently for about an hour and a half to two hours, or until the meat is tender. Low and slow. So I would recommend that; it won’t be the quick-cooking process as is with the rib eye, but the flavor should still be delicious! Hope you enjoy. 🙂
Absolutely delicious!!!!
So glad to read that, Susan! Very happy you enjoyed, and thanks for taking a moment to share your experience with me!
Just made this soup for dinner and it’s a huge hit !! Thank you for this amazing recipe, it’s going in the “must make this again” file … in fact, my husbands words between gulps is “this is a bingo right here” haha.
Thank you again,
Erin
Aw, I love that, Erin! So glad! Thanks so much for letting me know you all enjoyed this .
What kind of ale do you use?
Hi Richard, I used “Fat Tire”, but feel free to use whatever you prefer!
All I know is whenever I need a recipe, something from you pops up—thank goodness”! Your recipes are amazing-
Thank you soooooooo much!
Laurie, that’s so kind! So glad they’re there when ya need ’em, lol! ????
Thank you! Great recipes and beautiful writing!!!
Hi Ellie, thanks so much! 🙂
At the risk of sounding like a complete prude. I have never bought or cooked with alcohol in my life. Is there something that I could substitute for the Ale? I’m sure the flavor will not be quite the same but I was just wondering if there was something else to use.
Hi Lisa, no worries! I would recommend that you just substitute more beef stock in place of the ale. ????
You can usually get away with replacing alcohol with apple vinegar. Unless you need red wine.
This soup looks amazing! But, only thing is I hate mushrooms (I know I am weird). But, do you think I could substitute the mushrooms with something else?
Hi Nina, you could substitute a couple of small, peeled and diced russet potatoes, instead. Make sure they’re nice and tender before you add the beef back in (they should take about 20-23 minutes to cook) and you’ll have steak & potato soup, instead!
That version sounds AMAZING also…thank you for this beautiful sounding recipe(s)
Like a two for one now! Happy New Year everyone!
Hi Sue! Happy New Year to you, as well!
Wow. This is possibly the best soup I’ve ever made. Thank you.
Dave, that’s awesome- I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for your feedback!
Absolutely love your blog. Its so warm and cozy. Love this recipe and I plan to make is soup soon! I plan to add potatoes as well to the pot! Thank you!
Hi Mary, thank you for such lovely & kind comments! So glad you plan on preparing this tasty recipe, and the addition of the potatoes will be perfect. Enjoy!
This recipe looks great but can this soup be frozen?
Hope Marsha, I don’t see why it couldn’t; I have not personally tried to freeze it, but don’t see why it should be a problem.
This soup got 5 stars at my table along with bingo and when are you going to make it again. You might think I had never made a decent meal.
Cheers
Bill
Haha! I love that, Bill! So glad it was a hit for you, and I thank you for taking a moment to share your experience. Cheers to you!
What can be substituted for the ale? TIA
Hi there! Unfortunately, there is no good substitute for the ale; if you’re willing to use a non-alcoholic beer, that would work (if the alcohol is the issue). But feel free to leave it out altogether.
Hi! Do you have any tips or hints to make
This in the crock pot?
Hi there Jeanie, I would say to keep it on a lower setting if you plan on having it going for a while (the mushrooms are tender and so is this particular cut of beef, so I’d hate for it to get tough on you by overcooking.) I would say brown your beef separately and then add it in at the end to gently finish in the hot liquid. Hope that offers some help!
I made it twice and my husband loved it both times. We enjoyed it with toasted sourdough slices. Thank you so much miss Cozy Apron!!!
Hi Hong, that is wonderful! Toasted sourdough is delicious, & a perfect accompaniment. Thank you for sharing with me!
Hi, could I substitute the ale for a lager instead, or will I ruin the recipe?
Alex
Hi Alex, you sure can! Use whatever you’d like—you don’t have to worry about ruining anything 😉 . Happy cooking, and hope you enjoy!
I made this last week and loved it. My wife also raved about it as well. My only change up was that I used “poor mans rib eye” a/k/a chuck steak since it was on a good sale. My wife thought it was prime rib. I will definitely make this again. After reheating it just gets better. Next time will use rib eye.
Scott, how wonderfully sneaky—you had me smiling when you said your wife thought it was prime rib! 😁Very smart, as it’s always a good idea to go with a “good deal” when available (especially when testing out a recipe for the first time to make sure it’s good, & worth the extra bucks for rib eye!) 😉Happy cooking to you, and bless your heart for preparing this for yourself & your wife. Thank you for sharing!
Just found The Cozy Apron. Looking forward to following!!
This recipe is something similar to a soup my Momma made! Can’t wait to try.
Hi Santina, welcome! So glad you found us, & plan on following! 😊This is a very comfy-cozy soup, and I do hope you give it a try; especially if it reminds you of momma…Happy cooking!
Sooooo, I am not much of a beer consumer so I don’t know what to get… what kind of ale would be good? Just any? What are some suggestions?
Hi Alana, I’m not much of one either, lol! But the ale I used in my recipe is called “Fat Tire” ale, and I purchased it at Trader Joe’s. I think it’s pretty widely available in other markets; otherwise just look for one with “ale” on it that looks interesting to you! 😉
Trader Joe’s is right around the corner… I’m gonna grab the Flat Tire!!! Thanks so much
Haha! Awesome! But make sure you ask for “Fat” tire, not flat tire, oddly enough…my husband calls it flat tire, too. 😂❤️
I normally don’t comment on forums like this, but this time I just had to.
This soup was amazing!! I’m already envisioning it as a base for home made noodles. I don’t see your comments before making it, so I had to chuckle at the ale choice… I almost always keep Fat Tire on hand ☺
I did do one thing different with the technique though. Instead if adding the flour directly onto the pot, I took out a small amount of the hot liquid and mixed the flour into to make a roux so that it didn’t clump when adding it back in.
This will definitely become one our staples. Thank you for the great recipe!
Hi Kelly, “Fat Tire” all the way, lol! How fun you (almost) always have it on hand—talk about convenient! I was so glad to read you enjoyed the soup, and I’m honored you took the time to comment, especially since, as you mentioned, you typically don’t. So happy you were comforted by the recipe!
What if you don’t have ale but have beer?
Hey Tina! Toss that in, instead! 🙂 Enjoy…
I am enjoying this yummy soup with some crusty bread as I type. Oh. My. Goodness. So good! I made it in the crock pot and added celery and potatoes. I didn’t have ale so I just used stock. Instant fave! Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth, so glad to read that! And may you enjoy it for a couple more days, as well! It’s wonderful that you made this your own…thank you for sharing!
I will have to try this recipe again. I used Guinness extra stout ale and found the soup to be too bitter for my taste. What other ales. Have been used and isn’t as bitter. If it wasn’t for the bitterness I think it would of been great
Hi Debbie, hope you try with a lighter ale—Guinness is definitely too overpowering for this. (I love “Fat Tire”.)
Made this but couldn’t bring myself to cut up a good ribeye steak, so I used stew meat at half the price and also added a couple potatoes. Very Good – a keeper
Looks like a great soup, but what else cane be used other than than ale. Can’t wait to try.
Hi Diana, you can use your favorite beer; however, if you’re looking to substitute ale/beer altogether, it’s best to leave it out and use more beef stock. (There really is no substitute for the ale.)
Best. Soup. Ever.
Mary, I.Love.You. Thanks! 😁❤️
Just made this for dinner and it was incredible! Thank you so much for the recipe! I can’t wait to make something else from your site. Thank You!
Christy, thanks for sharing that with me! I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup, and I’m sending you happy cooking vibes towards preparing more of our recipes; may you find comfort & plenty of delicious flavor in them!
The best soup I have ever had is this soup. Thank you for sharing it. I make it for my husband’s band frequently when they rehearse in my basement. It is their favorite! Any change you can tell me if corn meal would be a good substitute for the flour if making this for a gluten free person?
Wow, Adaire, I’m so touched to read that! It’s so wonderful you’ve shared this recipe with your husband’s band—I love that artists are being fed by this recipe, and that they’re receiving your love & care (plus some warmth & comfort) by way of this soup. I truly appreciate you sharing this with me! ❤️ Oh, and don’t use cornmeal as a g.f. substitution; use rice flour or even cornstarch instead instead.
Made today for lunch after church; it was a chilly day, so soup was in order for our house. Yummy! The last 5 minutes were the hardest…waiting to eat! Would be great with fresh sour dough bread (but we are trying to cut back on bread 🙃). Thank you for sharing – your story and the recipe!
Hi there, so happy that you enjoyed! This soup is the ideal comfort food on a chilly day—especially when you’re hungry after church! Thanks so much for sharing that with me.
Went out this afternoon to forage wild chantarelle mushrooms and wanted to cook something a little different than my usual mushroom dishes. This soup is unbelievably delicious and everyone loved it! I was worried because I don’t like beer, but it added such a great flavor to the soup! I’ll be sharing this with my mushroom fb group! Thank you!
Oh, I also added some bacon because I needed to use it up…it added a nice touch.
What an amazing thing to go forage for wild mushrooms—wow! The idea of having those fresh, flavorful mushrooms in this soup…mmm,mmm.
And the bacon sounds like a lovely and savory addition as well. Thanks for sharing this awesome experience with me Paula!
This was an awesome dish. Some of my favorite ingredients. I made it for the family and added carrots and tomatoes for additional color. Spectacular. Thank you for such an awesome idea. The rib eye matters too. Couldn’t have pulled this off with a lesser cut.
Hi Barry, thank you so much for taking a moment to share your experience with the recipe here! (And the addition of the carrots and tomatoes sounds really delicious!)
Yes, the rib eye is key; with only that quick sear it stays nice and tender (and rich) once added into the hot soup. So very glad you and the family enjoyed this!
Absolutely love your blog and this recipe!. Could I add potatoe chunks to this recipe? If I can add the potatoes, when would I add them into the pot?
Hi Mary Ellen, thank you so much!
You absolutely can add in potatoes—it would be delicious and extra hearty! Add them in after you’ve sautéed your onions and mushrooms, before you add the ale/liquid; and I’d probably add an extra cup of stock since the potatoes will thicken things up a bit. You should be good to simmer the soup to same amount of time, or until the potatoes are tender. Then, proceed with the rest of the recipe.
Hope you enjoy!