Hearty Beef Lentil Soup Proper Comfort Food
Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup (Proper Comfort Food)
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Honestly, who doesn't love a comfort food recipe when it's a bit nippy out? This beef lentil soup is just the ticket.
It's hearty, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Have you ever tried a soup so good, you just knew it was good for you, too?
A Bit About This Brilliant Beef and Lentil Stew
This beef and lentil stew is proper peasant food, elevated. Originating from hearty European traditions, it's designed to nourish and warm you from the inside out.
This easy soup recipe is great for beginners. Prep takes about 20 minutes , cooking is around 1 hour 30 minutes , and it feeds 6-8 people .
Talk about a winner, winner, winter soup recipe dinner!
Why You'll Bloody Love This Soup
This hearty soup recipe is packed with protein and fiber. It's a nutritional powerhouse, honestly! Perfect for a chilly evening, a casual get-together, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.
It’s one of the one-pot meals that just gets better with age. Plus, using beef chuck recipes for that tender, melt-in-your mouth beef stew recipe ? Absolute genius!
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks and talk about what you'll need...
Ingredients & Equipment for Cracking Beef Lentil Soup
Alright, lets talk shop. This beef lentil soup ain't rocket science. Trust me, even I can do it. This is one of my favourite comfort food recipes
Main Ingredients for a Proper Beef and Lentil Stew
Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Exact amounts are key, mate!
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml). Don't be stingy.
- Beef chuck: 1.5 lbs (700g), cubed into 1 inch bits. Get good quality beef chuck! Marbled equals flavour. Otherwise use stew beef.
- Yellow onion: 1 large , chopped. About 1 cup.
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and chopped. Another cup-ish.
- Celery: 2 stalks , chopped. About ½ cup .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best , innit?
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp (5 ml).
- Dried rosemary: 1 tsp (5 ml).
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp (2.5ml).Adds a lovely background warmth.
- Black pepper: ½ tsp (2.5ml). Freshly ground, if you're posh.
- Salt: 1 tsp (5ml).
- Beef broth: 6 cups (1.4 litres). Low sodium is your friend.
- Lentils: 1 cup (200g), brown or green, rinsed.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can (400g), undrained.
- Bay leaves: 2 . Don't eat 'em!
- Potato: 1 medium , peeled and diced.
- Tomato paste: 1 tbsp (15 ml).
- Parsley: ¼ cup (50ml), chopped for garnish.
- Lemon wedges: For serving, optional but recommended.
Seasoning Notes for next level Flavour
The secret to easy soup recipes ? Nail the seasonings. I also find it works well as a beef stew recipe .
- Thyme and rosemary: The classic hearty soup recipes combo. Don't skip these!
- Smoked paprika: Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavour.
- Salt and pepper: Season throughout. Taste as you go!
- No rosemary or thyme? Use some Italian herb mix
- Season generously. It's better to be a bit punchy!
Equipment Needed (Keep it Simple!)
Listen, you don't need fancy gear. This is winter soup recipes , not MasterChef.
- Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot: Essential. Cast iron if you're fancy.
- Cutting board: Obvious, innit?
- Sharp knife: Also fairly crucial for chopping!
- Measuring cups and spoons: Get the amounts right.
Honestly, that's it. Simple. You will love these healthy soup recipes . Now, lets get cracking with this lentil soup recipe !
Hearty Beef & Lentil Soup (Proper Comfort Food)
Oh my gosh, you guys, this beef lentil soup is like a warm hug on a cold day. Honestly, I crave this when the weather turns a bit rubbish.
It's one of those comfort food recipes that just hits the spot, you know? We're talking proper, stick-to-your ribs goodness. This beef and lentil stew is inspired by classic winter soup recipes , but dead easy to make.
Trust me, even I can't mess this one up. It's also pretty healthy soup recipes , packed with nutrients and fiber.
This recipe is a one-pot meal dream. Less washing up? Yes, please! I love how this deeply satisfying beef lentil soup is both nourishing and flavourful.
It's inspired by classic peasant recipes, and gets better with time. Its perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
It's like your Nana's cooking, but quicker!
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place Sorted
First things first, let's get organised. You'll need to chop 1 large yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, 2 celery stalks, and 1 medium potato.
Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Gather 1.5 lbs of beef chuck . This is key to an effective beef stew recipe , and it will yield a tender and juicy soup.
It makes it a million times easier when you’re not scrambling around mid-cook.
Time saving tip: Chop the veg while the beef is browning. Just keep an eye on that beef chuck recipes to avoid burning.
And remember: sharp knives are safer knives! Always curl those fingers under when you're chopping.
step-by-step: From Prep to Bowl
- Sear the beef . Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Season your beef chuck with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Brown the beef in batches. This is how we make this hearty soup recipes . Then remove it and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics . Add your chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp dried rosemary. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze . Add 1 tbsp tomato paste and cook for a minute. Deglaze with a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine Everything . Chuck the beef back into the pot. Pour in 6 cups of beef broth, 1 cup of rinsed lentils, and a 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes. Add 2 bay leaves.
- Simmer Away . Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 1 hour . Until the beef is tender and the lentils are cooked through.
- Add Potatoes . Add the diced potato and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes . Until the potatoes are tender.
- Season and Serve . Take out the bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley, if you like. Serve hot!
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Soup Game
Don't skip searing the beef! Honestly, that browning adds so much flavor. It’s what sets a good beef lentil soup apart.
I always use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt levels.
Common mistake: Overcooking the lentils. Keep an eye on them! For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
This easy soup recipes tastes even better the next day, as the flavours have time to meld. make-ahead for a super stress free meal.
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Beef Lentil Soup
Alright, let's talk notes on making this amazing beef lentil soup . Honestly, I think this could become one of your favourite comfort food recipes ! It's just so damn hearty.
Serving Up a Treat: Plating & Presentation
This hearty soup recipes is rustic, so don't overthink presentation. A simple bowl works! I like to swirl in a little cream and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
Serve with warm, crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough is my personal favourite, but any bread will do the trick. A side salad also works wonders.
How about a crisp green salad to cut through the richness?
Storing Your Leftover Goodness
This easy soup recipes keeps well. This beef and lentil stew tastes even better the next day!
Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely before storing. Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this beauty too! Divide into portion sized containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Stir occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Twists & Turns: Variations on a Theme
Want to mix it up? Here are a couple of ideas.
Dietary Adaptation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, bonus!. Just double check your broth label to be 100% sure.
Seasonal Swap: In the autumn, add some chunks of butternut squash to the beef lentil soup . In the summer, you can swap the potato for zucchini.
Nutrition Nuggets: The Good Stuff
This healthy soup recipes isn't just delicious it's good for you! It's packed with protein, fibre, and vitamins. Think of it as a tasty way to get your nutrients.
It's a fantastic meal, right? It's one of those amazing one-pot meals .
Each serving boasts a good amount of protein. Lentils are a fantastic source of fibre. The broth provides hydration. And don't forget all the vitamins from the veggies!.
This lentil soup recipe is a winner.
So, there you have it! My notes, tips, and tricks for making the ultimate beef chuck recipes with this easy beef stew recipe .
Now go forth and create this warming winter soup recipes you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make beef lentil soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! For a slow cooker, sear the beef as instructed, then combine all ingredients (except the potatoes) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then add the potatoes for the last hour. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables.
Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release of 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. It's a doddle!
What's the best way to store leftover beef lentil soup?
Leftover beef lentil soup is even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. It's champion!
My beef lentil soup is too watery, how can I thicken it?
No worries, a few things can help thicken your beef lentil soup. First, you can simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot or remove a cup of the soup, blend it, and return it to the pot.
A cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) added gradually while simmering will also do the trick. Sorted!
Can I use different types of lentils in this beef lentil soup recipe?
While brown or green lentils are ideal for beef lentil soup because they hold their shape well during cooking, you can use red lentils in a pinch. Just be aware that red lentils tend to break down more, resulting in a thicker, creamier soup.
You might also need to adjust the cooking time slightly to prevent them from becoming mushy. It's all about what you fancy!
I'm watching my sodium intake. How can I reduce the sodium in this beef lentil soup?
That's a cracking idea! The easiest way to reduce sodium is to use low-sodium or no-salt added beef broth. Also, be mindful of the amount of salt you add during cooking. Taste as you go and season accordingly.
You can also increase the flavor with herbs, spices, and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end, rather than relying solely on salt. Bob's your uncle!
Hearty Beef Lentil Soup Proper Comfort Food
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
