Curried Beef & Red Lentil Soup

    Beef isn't just for burgers! Turn it into a sweet and spicy curried soup.
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    curried beef and red lentil soup

    Recipe by Mindy Fox

    Start to Finish: 30 minutes

    Servings: 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 tbsp. olive oil
    • 1 sweet onion (such as Vidalia), finely chopped
    • 4 tsp. finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
    • 1 tbsp. curry powder
    • 1 lb. ground beef (80% lean)
    • 3/4 cup dried red lentils, rinsed
    • 1/4 cup tomato paste
    • 1 can (13.5 oz.) coconut milk, shaken well
    • 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus whole leaves for garnish
    • 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
    • Plain yogurt, for serving

    Preparation

    1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, 7 to 9 minutes. Add the ginger and curry powder and cook for 1 minute more. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.

    2. Stir in the lentils and tomato paste. Stir for 1 minute, then add 3 1/2 cups water, the coconut milk, and chopped cilantro. Season the soup with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook until the lentils are tender, 20 to 25 minutes; season.

    3. Off heat, stir in the lemon juice. Divide the soup among bowls. Top each with a dollop of yogurt and some cilantro leaves.