- 1 pound ground beef, grass-fed if possible
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 28-ounce can tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 28-ounce can water
- 2 14-ounce cans chicken broth or stock **see tip below
- 2 cups dry lentils, green or brown
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) and cracked pepper to taste small bunch chopped kale or other dark, leafy greens, optional (remove and discard any tough stems)