Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites
Warm up on a cosy evening with a hearty bowl of our Beef and Lentil soup, enriched with a dollop of tangy sour cream and served with crunchy bites of toasted bread. This comforting meal is perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something wholesome and satisfying.
⏲️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏲️ Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe brings together a medley of flavours in your bowl, making it a delight for your tastebuds. Savoury beef, the earthiness of lentils and the crunch of bread bites, all come together in a harmony that’s not just delicious but remarkably comforting. It’s the perfect meal for winding down on a cold day – or on any day when you need some comfort food for the soul.
How to Make Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into cubes
– 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– 6 slices crusty bread
– 1 cup sour cream
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
3. Return the beef to the pot. Add lentils, beef broth, tomatoes, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a boil. On a lower heat, let it simmer for one hour till the lentils are well cooked and the beef tender.
4. For the bread bites, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut bread into cubes. Drizzle olive oil over the pieces and bake until golden and crispy.
5. Serve soup in a bowl. Add a dollop of sour cream. Sprinkle fresh parsley and serve with toasted bread bites on the side.
How to Serve Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites
Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of sour cream in the center of the bowl. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Add toasted bread bites to the edge of the bowl or serve them on a side plate. For maximum flavour, ensure every spoonful of soup gets a dash of sour cream and a bite of bread.
How to Store Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving, adding a fresh dollop of sour cream and freshly toasted bread bites.
Tips to Make Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites
– Use quality stew meat for best results. A tougher cut of meat will become tender after slow cooking.
– Choose your lentils wisely. Green or brown lentils maintain structure when cooked, while red lentils tend to dissolve and thicken the soup.
– To maximize flavor, use homemade beef broth. However, you can use high-quality store-bought broth as well.
Variations
You can add other types of vegetables to your soup such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. If you want a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of lentils in this recipe?
– Yes, you can use any type of lentils in this recipe. However, green or brown lentils are best as they maintain their structure when cooked.
2. Can I replace sour cream with any other ingredient?
– You can substitute sour cream with greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
3. Do I need to soak the lentils before adding them to the soup?
– No, you don’t need to soak lentils before cooking them. Rinsing and draining is enough.
Enjoy a hearty bowl of our Beef and Lentil Soup with Sour Cream and Toasted Bread Bites and let the warmth seep in.