Celebrate National Canned Food Month with us! Canned ingredients are not only convenient and affordable, but they also help reduce food waste. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner, meal prepping, or experimenting with new recipes, canned foods can transform your dishes into something special. Packed with essential nutrients and ready to use, they’re the perfect solution when you’re on a budget or limited on fridge space. Canned staples like tomatoes, beans, and seafood cook quickly and have longer shelf life than fresh or frozen options, so you save time, money, and effort without sacrificing flavor.
Why Beef & Lentil Soup?
This hearty beef and lentil soup is the epitome of comfort food. Full of fresh ingredients and nutrient-rich lentils, it provides a hearty dose of fiber with every bite. The Moroccan-inspired spice blend adds deep, warming flavors, making this the perfect cold-weather lunch or satisfying, wholesome dinner for the whole family.
Beef & Lentil Soup
Serves 20
Ingredients You'll Need:
– Moroccan Spice Mix: A fragrant blend of spices that creates a warm, aromatic foundation.
– Allspice: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
– Cumin: Brings earthy, warming notes that perfectly complement the beef and lentils.
– Paprika: Provides a mild smokiness that adds richness without overpowering the dish.
– Black Pepper: A mild heat and sharpness that helps to round out the flavors.
– Salt: Enhances the dish and draws out the flavors of the ingredients.
– Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and a fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices and beef.
– Garlic: Imparts savory depth and fragrance that elevates the entire dish.
– Onions: The sweet and savory base of many dishes, providing a natural sweetness when sautéed.
– Lean Ground Beef: The star protein, adding richness, texture, and essential nutrients like iron and protein.
– Dried Lentils: Packed with fiber and protein, these lentils absorb all the lovely flavors and provide substance to the soup.
– Carrots: Add a hint of natural sweetness and provide essential vitamins like beta-carotene.
– Celery: Offers a crisp texture and earthy flavor, boosting the soup’s nutritional profile with fiber and vitamins.
– Zucchini: Mild and moisture-rich, balancing the texture of the soup.
– Green Beans: Bring crunch and freshness, packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K.
– Crushed Canned Tomatoes: The perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, providing a rich base for the broth.
– Low-Sodium Beef Stock: Adds savory depth and umami flavor without being too salty.
– Water: Helps balance the broth, ensuring it’s flavorful but not too thick.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine 5 tbsp Moroccan spice mix, 2 tsp allspice, 4 tsp cumin powder, 4 tsp paprika, 1.5 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt.
2. Sauté Onion & Garlic:
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 2 finely chopped onions and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 3 minutes until golden.
3. Brown the Beef:
Turn the heat to high and add 2 lb lean ground beef. Cook, breaking it up as you go, until browned. Stir in 2 tbsp of the spice mix and cook for an additional 2 minutes to bring out the flavor.
4. Add Carrot & Celery:
Add 4 diced carrots and 4 chopped celery stalks, cooking for another minute to soften.
5. Build the Broth:
Pour in 6 cups water, 8 cups low-sodium beef stock, 56 oz crushed canned tomatoes, and 2.5 cups dried lentils (or 2 cans drained). Add the remaining 3 tbsp spice mix. Stir, bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
6. Add Zucchini & Green Beans:
After 15 minutes, stir in 4 diced zucchinis and 8 oz trimmed green beans.
7. Final Simmer:
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, ensuring the lentils are fully cooked and tender.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with a dollop of yogurt and fresh coriander, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Beef & Lentil Soup:
– Canned vs. Dried Lentils: If using dried lentils, rinse them first. Canned lentils require less cooking time, so add them in the final 15 minutes of simmering.
– Add Acidity for Balance: Brighten up the rich flavors with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar (white wine or apple cider) right before serving.
– Bloom Your Spices: After sautéing onions and garlic, sprinkle in a pinch of the Moroccan spice mix into the oil. This helps release the essential oils in the spices for a deeper flavor.
– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, microwave in portions for a quick meal.
Canned foods offer a budget-friendly and convenient way to enhance your meals, and this beef and lentil soup is a perfect example of how easy it can be to create nutritious and satisfying dishes.
Enjoy the delicious flavors—and the savings!
