Red Lentil and Ground Beef Soup

Lentils are a very nutritious ingredient. Despite being low in calories, they are rich in protein and fiber, which is why they are so popular in vegetarian diets. However, this version is not vegetarian — it uses ground beef to create a rich, hearty, and satisfying lentil soup 

Ingredients

• 2.5 L water

• 1 medium onion

• 3 garlic cloves

• 300 g ground beef

• 1 cup red lentils (200 g)

• 2 medium potatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 medium tomato

• vegetable oil for frying

• salt, pepper, smoked paprika, coriander

• fresh herbs

Steps

1. Pour water into a pot and bring to a boil

2. Dice the onion and potatoes, finely chop the garlic, and grate the tomato

3. Rinse the lentils, add them together with the potatoes to the boiling water, and simmer on low heat

4. Sauté the onion in vegetable oil until translucent

5. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute more

6. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until fully browned

7. Add tomato paste and grated tomato

8. Transfer everything into the pot, season with salt and spices, and simmer for another 10–15 minutes on low heat

9. Add finely chopped fresh herbs