Warming blend of tender beef, lentils, and spices cooked together for a rich, satisfying meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.1 lb beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, with juices
→ Legumes
08 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
→ Spices & Seasonings
09 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 tsp ground coriander
12 - 1/2 to 1 tsp chili flakes, adjusted to taste
13 - 1 tsp dried oregano
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Liquids
16 - 6 cups beef or vegetable broth
17 - 2 tbsp olive oil
→ Optional Garnishes
18 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
19 - Lemon wedges
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add beef cubes and sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, add onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
03 - Stir in garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili flakes, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Return seared beef to the pot. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, rinsed lentils, bay leaf, and broth. Stir to combine thoroughly.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef and lentils are tender.
06 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove bay leaf from the pot.
07 - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
