Beef and Lentil Soup

Ingredients

• 1 pound beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
• 28 ounce canned tomatoes diced canned
• 2 large carrots chopped
• 2 large stalks celery chopped
• 64 ounce cartons chicken broth 
• 1.5 teaspoons cilantro leaves dried
• 0.3 cup parsley fresh chopped
• 6 cloves garlic chopped
• 2 cups lentils dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 1 large onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano dried
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated to taste
• 8 servings salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• pot

Directions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then gently place into the hot oil, and brown on all sides, about 8 minutes. Once browned, remove the beef and set aside, reserving the remaining oil in the pot. Stir in the celery, carrot, onion, garlic, cilantro, and oregano; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 8 minutes more.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, and browned beef. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the meat is beginning to turn tender, about 1 hour.
3. After the soup has simmered 1 hour, add the lentils, recover, and continue simmering until the lentils are tender, about 40 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then stir in the parsley.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.