ADVERTISEMENT
How to Make Spicy Red Lentil and Beef Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink. If there is excess fat, drain it off.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices, letting them toast for about 1 minute to bring out their flavor.
Step 3: Add the Liquids and Lentils
- Add Tomato Paste and Tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes. This deepens the flavor of the soup. Then, add the diced tomatoes with their juices.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth to the pot, followed by the red lentils. Stir to combine. Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
- Simmer the Soup: Once the soup begins to simmer, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, add water, one cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top adds a touch of brightness that balances the richness of the soup.
- Enjoy: Serve the soup hot with a slice of crusty bread or a dollop of yogurt on the side to complement the spiciness.
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Red Lentil and Beef Soup
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin. For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili peppers to the soup.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will reduce the fat content without compromising the soup’s heartiness.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the soup for added nutrients and texture.
- Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for a quick, comforting meal later.
- Make It Creamy: For a creamy variation, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. This will give the soup a thicker, creamier texture while still keeping the lentils intact.
Why This Recipe Works
This Spicy Red Lentil and Beef Soup works because of its incredible balance of hearty protein, earthy lentils, and fragrant spices. The combination of cumin, paprika, and chili powder provides just the right amount of heat and depth, while the ground beef adds richness. The red lentils not only provide protein but also break down into a creamy texture as they cook, thickening the soup naturally. With the addition of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice at the end, this soup has a bright, well-rounded flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and cozy.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both hearty and flavorful, Spicy Red Lentil and Beef Soup is the perfect option. With its mix of savory beef, creamy lentils, and the right amount of spice, this soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or batch-cooking for the week, this recipe is both easy to make and packed with nutrition. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comfort that will warm you from the inside out!
ADVERTISEMENT
