Hearty Beef and Lentil Soup a Proper Winter Warmer
Hearty Beef and Lentil Soup: A Proper Winter Warmer
Fancy a bowl of pure comfort? Honestly, is there anything better on a cold day than a steaming bowl of soup? This beef lentil soup recipe is the ultimate winter warmer , trust me.
It's proper, hearty, and guaranteed to fill you right up!
What’s the Crack With This Beef and Lentil Stew?
This hearty lentil soup is inspired by classic European peasant cooking. Think humble ingredients transformed into something amazing. It's a slow simmered beef and lentil stew that's both rustic and incredibly satisfying.
It's an easy beef lentil soup recipe that anyone can nail!
This recipe is pretty straightforward. We are talking about simple chopping and simmering. Expect about 20 minutes of prep and 2.
5 hours of cooking. This makes about 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner or batch cooking for the week.
The Magic of Beef Lentil Soup
One of the best things? It’s packed with protein and fibre. That means it keeps you feeling full and energized.
Plus, it’s the perfect thing to serve on a chilly evening when you just want to curl up on the sofa.
The beauty of this beef lentil soup is that it gets better the next day. It's a one pot beef lentil soup wonder!
Now, let's gather our bits and bobs, shall we? First up is the beef chuck . You will also require lentils and beef broth .
Don’t forget the diced tomatoes and all the other good stuff.
Tips and Tricks for a Tasty Soup
Low and slow is the key! Don't rush the simmering. Browning the beef chunks is important for flavor. A splash of lemon at the end brightens everything up.
Use gluten-free broth to avoid wheat issues. Trust me, you'll love this soup.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's get down to brass tacks. This hearty beef lentil soup is all about simple, good quality ingredients. It’s the kind of winter warmer your nan would make.
Honestly, it's hard to mess up.
Main Ingredients for Our Easy Beef Lentil Soup Recipe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15 ml )
- 1.5 pounds beef chuck , cubed ( 680g ) Gotta have proper beef chuck for the best flavor. Look for well marbled beef chuck . That fat renders down and makes everything lush.
- 1 large onion, chopped (around 200g )
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 150g )
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (around 100g )
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (around 9g )
- 8 cups beef broth (about 2 Liters ) Don't skimp on this. Good beef broth is key.
- 1 cup lentils , rinsed (about 200g ) Brown or green work a treat here.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes , undrained (about 400g )
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme ( 5 ml )
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary ( 2.5 ml )
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt ( 5 ml ), or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ( 2.5 ml ), or to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (about 10g ) (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) ( 15ml )
Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes for a Delicious Beef and Lentil Stew
Thyme and rosemary are your best mates for this. They just work . A bay leaf gives it a depth. Don't forget salt and pepper.
You can always add more, but you can't take it away, you know?
For a kick, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Seriously livens up the hearty lentil soup . No fresh rosemary? A teaspoon of Italian herb mix will do in a pinch.
Essential Equipment for Your One Pot Beef Lentil Soup
- A large pot. Dutch oven is ideal, but a stockpot works too.
- A chopping board.
- A sharp knife. Obvious, right?
- A wooden spoon. For stirring like a proper chef.
Don't have a Dutch oven? No worries! A big saucepan will do the trick. This beef lentil soup is super adaptable.
Can't find your wooden spoon? Anything that stirs will work. Honestly, who hasn't used a spatula in desperation?
Whether you're doing the slow cooker beef lentil soup version or a one-pot wonder, these ingredients will set you up for success.
Get those bits and bobs ready, and let's cook up a storm.
Hearty Beef Lentil Soup : A Proper Winter Warmer
Honestly, nothing beats a steaming bowl of beef lentil soup on a grey day. It's a proper winter warmer , isn't it? My nan used to make something similar, a real beef and lentil stew , so this recipe always brings back good memories.
Let's get started on the ultimate easy beef lentil soup recipe !
Prep Like a Pro: The Essential Mise en Place
Right then, first things first. Get your mise en place sorted. That's chef speak for "everything in its place". Chop 1.
5 pounds of beef chuck into 1 inch cubes. Dice one large onion , two carrots , and two celery stalks .
Mince three cloves of garlic . Get your 1 cup lentils , 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes , and 8 cups of beef broth ready.
This prep will save you precious time later, I swear.
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step to Soup Heaven
Okay, here's the straightforward way to make proper one pot beef lentil soup :
- Sear that beef chuck ! In a large pot with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat, brown the beef in batches. Don't overcrowd the pan, yeah? Remove and set aside.
- Sauté your veg. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes . Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute , until you can smell it.
- Combine everything. Return the browned beef to the pot. Add the 8 cups beef broth , 1 cup lentils , 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes , 1 teaspoon dried thyme , 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary , and 1 bay leaf .
- Simmer, simmer, simmer. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it. Let it simmer for at least 2 hours . You want that beef to be super tender and the lentils to be soft.
- Season and serve. Remove the bay leaf. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 0.5 teaspoon black pepper , or to taste. I like a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and a squeeze of 1 tablespoon lemon juice too, just before serving.
Pro Tips for Champion Soup
- Don't skip the browning! Searing the beef chuck gives the beef lentil soup so much flavour. Trust me on this one.
- Simmering is key. The longer this hearty lentil soup simmers, the better. All those flavours get to know each other.
- Taste as you go, yeah? Seasoning is everything! A pinch of this, a dash of that. Adjust as needed.
This slow cooker beef lentil soup recipe is a real winner, a true winter warmer . Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Beef Lentil Soup
Honestly, this easy beef lentil soup recipe is so straightforward, you almost don't need notes. But, a few pointers can elevate it from good to great .
I learned that the hard way!
Serving Ideas: Make it a Feast
Okay, so you've got this amazing hearty lentil soup . Now what?
- Plating & Presentation: Ladle into rustic bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley. A swirl of cream? Chef's kiss!
- Sides & Drinks: Crusty bread is a must for dipping. A simple side salad cuts through the richness. Pair with a dark ale.
Storing Your Winter Warmer
This soup gets better with age! Like a fine wine, almost.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. They'll be good for up to 3-4 days .
- Freezing: Cool completely. Transfer to freezer bags. It will last up to 3 months . Honestly, it's a game changer to always have this on hand.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of beef broth if it's thickened too much.
Switching Things Up: Flavors for Everyone
Want to customize your beef and lentil stew ? No problem!
- Dietary: For a veggie version, skip the beef chuck and add more root veggies!
- Seasonal Swap: In the summer, use fresh herbs from your garden instead of dried.
Nutrition Simplified: Goodness in a Bowl
This beef lentil soup isn't just delicious, it's packed with goodness!
- Basics: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. It's a super balanced meal!
- Benefits: The lentils are great for your gut. The beef chuck provides iron. Win-win.
So, there you have it! My tips for making the perfect slow cooker beef lentil soup or stovetop, whichever you fancy.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Now, get cooking! I know you will love it.
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 in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, sear the beef using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
It's proper easy, either way!
What's the best way to store leftover beef lentil soup? And how long will it last?
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it'll keep for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Day-old soup is often even tastier, like a good curry, so don't be afraid to make a big batch!
I don't have beef chuck; can I use a different cut of meat for this beef lentil soup recipe?
No worries, mate! Stewing beef is a great substitute for beef chuck in this recipe. You could also use brisket, but be sure to trim off excess fat. The key is to use a cut that benefits from long, slow cooking to become tender and flavourful. Don't even think about using steak, that'd be a waste!
Can I use red lentils instead of brown or green in my beef lentil soup?
You can, but bear in mind that red lentils break down much more than green or brown lentils during cooking. This will result in a thicker, creamier soup. You might need to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from completely disintegrating.
Brown or green lentils will keep their shape better, for a more "rustic" feel. It all depends on the sort of texture you are after!
Is beef lentil soup healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet it is! Beef lentil soup is packed with protein from the beef and lentils, fiber from the lentils and vegetables, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's relatively low in fat and calories.
Just be mindful of your sodium intake, as canned broth can be high in salt, so use low sodium stock to avoid this. A balanced diet staple, alright?
How can I make my beef lentil soup even more flavourful?
Besides browning the beef properly, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small piece of Parmesan rind while simmering for extra umami. A bay leaf is a must, and don't be shy with the herbs! A squeeze of lemon juice or a dollop of Greek yogurt at the end brightens the flavours and adds a lovely tang.
Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking, proper chef style!
Hearty Beef And Lentil Soup A Proper Winter Warm
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |
