Introduction
Hearty and nutritious, the Beef and Lentil Soup is the perfect comforting dish to wind down your evening. Packed with the perfect orchestration of beef, lentils, and vegetables, each spoonful guarantees a warm, savoury burst of flavour. Don’t just picture warmth and comfort – experience it through this homely recipe!
Why Make This Recipe
Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, the Beef and Lentil Soup is not just a flavoursome delight but hits the nutritional jackpot. With protein-packed lentils and nutrient-dense vegetables, this dish does wonders for health and craving.
How to Make Beef and Lentil Soup
Ingredients :
– 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
– 6 cups beef stock or broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook the beef until it is browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes.
4. Return beef to the pot, add lentils and beef stock. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 45 minutes until lentils and beef are tender.
5. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
How to Serve Beef and Lentil Soup
Perfect on its own, a warm bowl of Beef and Lentil Soup is the ideal homely dinner or lunch. You can pair it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to add some crunch to your meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dollop of cream also adds an extra richness to this hearty soup.
How to Store Beef and Lentil Soup
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it is cooled down before transferring it into a refrigerator-safe container. When you are ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips to Make Beef and Lentil Soup
Make sure to cut your veggies and beef into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Rinse lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris and enable better flavor absorption.
Variation
If you are a vegetarian, you can swap beef stock with vegetable stock and exclude beef pieces. To add a smoky flavor, you can replace beef with smoked tofu.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare this soup with canned lentils?
Yes, you can. Rinse canned lentils before adding them into the soup. However, remember that canned lentils are already cooked, so adjust their cooking time accordingly.
2. Can I freeze the Beef and Lentil soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for 2-3 months. Reheat on the stove till hot, stirring occasionally.
3. Can I use other types of meat?
Certainly! You can replace the beef with chicken, turkey, pork, or even lamb. Adjust the cooking time as per the meet type.