Delicious Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup Recipe

Welcome to my low sodium beef lentil soup recipe! As a chef, I believe that food should be both delicious and nutritious. That’s why I created this recipe that is not only hearty and flavorful but also low in sodium.

This beef lentil soup is perfect for those who want to reduce their sodium intake without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to warm up on a cold day or to simply enjoy a tasty and healthy meal with your family and friends.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make this soup in no time. So put on your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you a fan of hearty soups? Do you enjoy the combination of tender beef and nutritious lentils? If so, then you’re going to absolutely love this Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup Recipe. Not only is it packed with protein and fiber, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying.

One of the key benefits of this recipe is that it’s low in sodium. We all know that consuming too much salt can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. That’s why I’ve created a recipe that’s both delicious and healthy.

Another great aspect of this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have a piping hot bowl of soup on the table in no time. And if you’re short on time, you can even make it in a slow cooker!

But perhaps the best thing about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding in your favorite vegetables or switching up the type of lentils you use. And if you’re looking to make it even healthier, you can use lean ground beef or even skip the meat altogether and make it a vegetarian dish.

So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to feed your family or a healthy option for meal prep, this Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup Recipe is sure to please. Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s one of my go-to soup recipes!

Ingredient List

Before we start cooking, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. This recipe makes a big batch of Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup, perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. Here’s what you’ll need:

Meat and Lentils

• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• 2 cups of dry lentils, rinsed and drained
• 10 cups of low-sodium beef broth (1 box or use homemade beef stock)
• 1 bay leaf

Vegetables

• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup of chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup of diced butternut squash (optional)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

Liquid Base

• 1 cup of low-sodium tomato juice
• 1 cup of water

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of dried parsley

Note that you can substitute some of the vegetables with what you have on hand or what’s in season. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making this Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup a nutritious and satisfying meal.

The Recipe How-To

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 cup chopped green cabbage
• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (low-sodium) tomato juice, 2 cups water, or a combination of both
• 10 cups low sodium beef broth or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp black pepper

Directions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until they become translucent.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Add the celery, carrots, and cabbage. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add the lentils, bay leaf, black pepper, beef broth, and tomato juice or water. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour or until the lentils are tender.

5. Remove the bay leaf and serve hot.

Notes:

• If you prefer a thicker soup, add some butternut squash or potato chunks.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the ground beef.
• For a vegan version, use minced meat substitute instead of ground beef, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth or water.
• This soup can also be made in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

This hearty beef lentil soup recipe is perfect for a cold winter night. The combination of ground beef, lentils, and vegetables creates a flavorful and nutritious soup that will satisfy your hunger and warm you up. This recipe is easy to prepare and is perfect for meal prep.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t be afraid to mix it up and add your own twist to this Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup Recipe. Here are some substitutions and variations to try:

– Meat: You can easily swap the ground beef for other types of minced meat, such as turkey or chicken, to reduce the fat content. You can also omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian version of this soup.

– Lentils: This recipe calls for dry lentils, but you can use canned lentils instead. Just be sure to rinse and drain them before adding them to the soup. You can also experiment with different types of lentils, such as French or brown lentils, for a different flavor and texture.

– Vegetables: This soup is packed with vegetables, but you can add or substitute with other veggies that you have on hand. Butternut squash or sweet potato would be a great addition to this soup.

– Broth: If you don’t have beef broth or stock, you can use vegetable broth instead for a vegetarian version. You can also use reduced-sodium broth to further reduce the sodium content of this soup.

– Tomato Juice: Low-sodium tomato juice is used in this recipe, but you can also use low-sodium canned tomatoes or tomato sauce instead.

– Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper and bay leaf to suit your taste. You can also add other spices, such as thyme or oregano, for extra flavor.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you. So don’t be afraid to make this Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup Recipe your own by trying out different substitutions and variations.

Serving and Pairing

This low sodium beef lentil soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides. When it comes to serving this soup, I recommend ladling it into large bowls and topping it with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.

To really make this meal a filling delight, pair it with some crusty bread, rolls, or a side salad. A crusty slice of bread can be used for dipping into the soup or as a vessel for soaking up the broth. A side salad can add some crunch to the meal and provide a healthy dose of veggies.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, consider serving this soup with a grain such as rice, quinoa, or farro. Cook the grains separately and add them to the soup before serving. This will make the soup even more filling and give it a nice texture contrast.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pairings and sides. You could even serve this soup with some roasted veggies like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless.

Overall, this low sodium beef lentil soup is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to create a delicious and filling meal. So get creative and enjoy!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This low sodium beef lentil soup recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later. If you’re planning to meal prep or make it in advance, follow these tips to ensure the best results:

– Make the soup up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld together even more, making it even tastier.

– If you’re planning to freeze the soup, let it cool down completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

– When reheating the soup, you can do it on the stovetop or in the microwave. To reheat on the stovetop, pour the soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. To reheat in the microwave, transfer the soup to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

– If the soup is too thick after reheating, add some water or broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

– Avoid reheating the soup more than once to prevent the growth of bacteria and ensure food safety.

By following these tips, you can enjoy this delicious low sodium beef lentil soup recipe anytime you want, whether it’s for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a comforting meal after a long day.

Tips for Perfect Results

As with any recipe, there are ways to ensure that your Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup turns out perfectly every time. Here are some tips to keep in mind while making this delicious soup:

1. Use low-sodium ingredients

The recipe already calls for low-sodium tomato juice and beef broth, but you can take it a step further by using reduced-sodium beef or vegetable broth. This will help keep the sodium content of the soup in check without sacrificing flavor.

2. Rinse the lentils

Before adding the lentils to the soup, rinse them under cold water and pick out any debris or stones. This will ensure that your soup doesn’t have any unwanted crunchy bits.

3. Don’t overcook the lentils

While you want the lentils to be tender, you don’t want them to turn to mush. Keep an eye on them while they cook and test them periodically to ensure that they’re cooked to your liking.

4. Brown the beef

Browning the beef before adding it to the soup will give it a deeper flavor and help to build the base of the soup.

5. Let the soup simmer

After adding all of the ingredients to the pot, let the soup simmer on low heat for at least 45 minutes. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a rich, hearty soup.

6. Add in some greens

While the recipe already calls for carrots and celery, you can also add in some chopped kale or spinach for some extra nutrition and flavor.

7. Adjust the seasoning

Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more black pepper or a pinch of salt, depending on your taste preferences.

By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a delicious and satisfying Low Sodium Beef Lentil Soup every time you make it.

FAQ

Before jumping into the FAQ section, let me remind you that cooking is an art, and sometimes, things can go wrong. But don’t worry, I am here to guide you through any issues you might encounter while making this low sodium beef lentil soup recipe. Below are some frequently asked questions and answers that will help you troubleshoot any problems you might face.

Is lentil soup high in sodium?

Lentils make for a nutritious addition to any meal. Not only are they low in calories, but they also have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber. Additionally, lentils are a great option for those looking to avoid cholesterol, sodium, and gluten in their diet.

Are lentils low sodium?

Lentils are packed with nutrients that are beneficial for our health. They contain minimal amounts of sodium and saturated fat, but are rich in potassium, fiber, folate, and polyphenols which are plant chemicals that possess antioxidant properties.

What meat goes with lentils?

Lentils, with their mild taste, can be a perfect match for meats like duck and pork, especially bacon, to add a touch of richness to your meals. They are a versatile pantry staple that can be used in both meatless and hearty dishes, making them an excellent choice for the winter season. So, it’s time to take these little wonders out of your pantry and let them shine in your cooking.

Is lentil soup good for your liver?

If you’re looking to enhance your liver function, consider incorporating lentils into your diet. Lentils are a great source of choline, a nutrient that supports the liver in packaging and distributing fat throughout the body. By consuming choline-rich foods like lentils, you can help reduce the likelihood of fat build-up in the liver, which can lead to a health condition known as fatty liver. So, add lentils to your meals to promote a healthy liver!

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this low sodium beef lentil soup recipe is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a wholesome, nutritious, and delicious dish. The combination of the lentils, beef, and vegetables creates a hearty and flavorful soup that will satisfy any appetite. Plus, with the low sodium content, it’s a healthier option for those who are watching their sodium intake.

With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick and easy meal whenever you need it.

I highly recommend trying this recipe and experimenting with different variations to make it your own. Whether you use different types of lentils, vegetables, or seasonings, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, grab your pot and get cooking – you won’t be disappointed!

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