**Beef and Lentil Soup – A Bowl of Comfort and Nutrition**
With the chill still in the air, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of hearty soup. The Beef and Lentil Soup is not just food for your stomach but it’s also food for the soul.
## Why make this recipe
Beef and Lentil Soup is ideal for those who love rich, warming, and satiating meals. Loaded with protein from lentils and beef, this soup is a nutritional powerhouse, providing not only a delicious meal but also bestowing the numerous health benefits associated with the ingredients.
## How to make Beef and Lentil Soup
## Ingredients
– 1 lb beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
– 6 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Directions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium temperature.
2. Add the beef cubes and cook until they turn brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pot, cook diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix in the rinsed lentils, beef broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot. Increase heat to high until the mixture boils.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 1 hour, or until the beef and lentils are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaf, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, sprinkled with fresh parsley for the garnish.
## How to serve Beef and Lentil Soup
Serve up this heartwarming soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop!
## How to store Beef and Lentil Soup
Store leftovers of this nourishing soup in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays good for 3 to 4 days. To savour it later, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
## Tips to make Beef and Lentil Soup
– Always rinse lentils before adding them to the soup. It helps to get rid of any debris and excess starch.
– It’s best to cook soup in a pot with a heavy bottom to prevent the contents from getting burnt at the bottom.
## Variation
For those preferring a vegetarian option, they can replace beef with chickpeas or cannellini beans that also provide protein.
## FAQs
**1. Can I replace beef with chicken in this soup recipe?**
Absolutely. Chicken can easily be substituted for beef. However, it slightly changes the overall taste of the soup.
**2. What other vegetables can I add in the Beef and Lentil Soup?**
This soup is versatile. You can use vegetables like turnips, kale, or spinach, depending on your preference.
**3. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried lentils?**
Yes, but you only need to add canned lentils during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time to ensure they maintain their texture.