Hearty Lentil, Bacon and Beef Soup

Ingredients

• 250 g chorizo sausage, diced
• 100 g ground beef
• 80 g smoked bacon, diced
• 80 g white onions, chopped
• 80 g carrots, peeled and diced
• 60 g green bell peppers, deseeded and chopped
• 50 g garlic, peeled and chopped
• 10 g fresh basil, chopped
• 200 g peeled tomatoes, chopped
• 750 ml chicken stock
• 100 g spinach leaves, chopped
• 80 g lentils
• salt and pepper
• 120 g cheddar cheese, grated

Directions

1. 1

   In a stock pot, render bacon fat over medium heat. Remove bacon and set aside. Drain excess fat.

2. 2

   Return pot to heat. Add onions and garlic, and stir until transluscent.

3. 3

   Add ground beef, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occassionally.

4. 4

   Add diced bacon and chorizo. Stir to distribute evenly. Let cook for a further 2 minutes.

5. 5

   Add the the vegetables and peeled tomatoes. Stir.

6. 6

   Add chicken stock. bring to boil, then lower heat to simmer for about 30 minutes. Skim any excess oil and scum from the surface.

7. 7

   Transfer to crock pot and set on low for 4-6 hours. Or until the meat is very tender.

8. 8

   Add lentils and let simmer for another hour or so until softened.

9. 9

   Add the spinach leaves and fresh basil and let simmer for a further 10 minutes.

10. 10

    Season with salt and pepper.

11. 11

    Ladle the rich soup onto deep bowls. Top with grated cheddar cheese.