Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare Soup Base
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until vegetables begin to soften, about 7-8 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and beef broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans and kidney beans. Continue to simmer gently while you prepare the "cookies."
Prepare Drop "Cookies" (Biscuits)
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add chopped chives and then pour in 1/2 cup milk. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough should be shaggy but come together. If too dry, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Increase heat of the soup to a gentle simmer. Using a tablespoon or small scoop, drop dollops of the biscuit dough directly into the simmering soup. They should look like small, rustic cookies.
- Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the "cookies" are cooked through and fluffy. Avoid lifting the lid too often during this time.
- Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the hearty "Cowboy Cookies" soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra chives or a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The "cookies" are meant to be rustic and fluffy, not perfectly shaped. This soup also freezes well; freeze without the "cookies" if possible, and add freshly made "cookies" when reheating, or freeze with them, understanding they may change texture slightly upon thawing and reheating.
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