But tucked away in Viennese kitchens is a hearty, flavourful classic that has comfort written all over it: Vienna Soup (Wiener Suppe).
Traditionally served as a first course in Austrian households, this rich broth brimming with vegetables and beef is both elegant and nourishing.
What Is Vienna Soup?
Vienna Soup, sometimes called Wiener Rindsuppe, is a clear beef broth enriched with root vegetables and often served with semolina dumplings (Grießnockerl), noodles, or sliced pancakes (Frittaten). It’s a dish that balances simplicity with deep flavour – a reminder of why slow-cooked broths are so beloved across Europe.
Ingredients
For 4–6 servings, you’ll need:
500g beef shank or stewing beef (with some bone if possible)
2 litres cold water
1 onion, halved (charred slightly for depth of flavour)
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
1 parsnip, peeled and chopped
¼ celeriac (celery root), peeled and diced
1 leek, washed and sliced
3–4 parsley stalks
1 bay leaf
5–6 whole black peppercorns
Salt, to taste
Optional garnishes and add-ins:
Chopped fresh chives or parsley
Noodles, sliced pancakes (Frittaten), or semolina dumplings
Method
Prepare the broth
Place the beef in a large pot with the cold water. Slowly bring it to the boil, skimming off any foam that rises.
Add vegetables and seasoning
Add the onion halves (charred side down), carrots, parsnip, celeriac, leek, parsley stalks, bay leaf, peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 2–2.5 hours, uncovered.
Strain the soup
Remove the beef and set aside (you can slice it thinly and serve alongside the soup or keep it for another meal). Strain the broth through a fine sieve to remove the vegetables and spices.
Taste and finish
Return the clear broth to the pot and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
Serve
Ladle the hot Vienna Soup into bowls, adding your chosen garnish – noodles, dumplings, or thin strips of pancake – and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestion
In Vienna, this soup is often served as the elegant start to a meal, but it also makes for a light supper with some crusty bread. If you’re hosting a dinner party, pairing it with a crisp Austrian white wine (like Grüner Veltliner) will delight your guests.
Why Try Vienna Soup?
Vienna Soup is more than just a bowl of broth, it’s a taste of Austrian tradition. Simple, wholesome, and full of layered flavour, it’s proof that sometimes the most comforting meals are born from the humblest ingredients.