Lentil and Ground Beef Soup - Brazilian Comfort
A hearty and flavorful soup that blends the sweetness of tender lentils with the richness of browned ground beef. Seasoned with subtle spices and garnished with fresh herbs, it is the ultimate comfort dish for cold winter evenings.
🛒 Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 cup green or red lentils
- 9 oz ground beef (or beef/veal blend)
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium carrot
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- Fine salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin (optional)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (cheiro-verde)
- 1 bunch fresh chives (cheiro-verde)
Watch the original video
Watch on TikTokDirections
- 1
Peel the onion and garlic, then mince them finely. Peel the carrot and cut it into small, uniform cubes.
- 2
Pour the olive oil into a large pot and heat over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- 3
Increase the heat and add the ground beef. Break it up with a fork and brown it completely for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- 4
Pour the water or broth into the pot, then add the rinsed lentils, diced carrots, salt, pepper, and spices. Bring to a boil.
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium and let simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
- 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and spices if necessary. Finely chop the fresh parsley and chives, then stir them in just before serving to preserve their aroma.
- 7
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately while piping hot.
💡 Chef's Tip
For a richer and creamier soup, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of tomato paste in step 3. If you prefer a thicker texture, partially cover the pot during cooking. The cheiro-verde (a mix of parsley and chives) is essential for the authenticity of this Brazilian dish—do not skip adding it before serving to maintain its freshness.
