Leek, Lentil and Tomato Stew with Beets and Optional Beef

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (leave out if vegetarian/vegan)
  
• 3 pounds leeks
  
• 6 tomatoes
  
• 2 zucchinis
  
• 4 beets
  
• 1 cup mushrooms
  
• 1.5 cups lentils (use 3 cups if leaving out meat)
  
• 1.5 cups buckwheat groats
  
• 1 cup sauerkraut
  
• 2 tablespoons paprika
  
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 head of garlic
  
• 1 onion
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil/butter/lard
  

Directions

1. heat olive oil/butter/lard in a large pot on the stove, set at medium heat (I use a 5.3 L pot)
2. saute chopped garlic and onion for until fragrant (about 5-10 minutes)
3. add ground beef to pot and let brown (skip this step if not using meat)
4. once meat is browned, add chopped tomatoes, sliced leeks, chopped beets, chopped zucchini, chopped mushrooms, lentils, buckwheat groats, herbs, spices and salt
5. let mixture cook until lentils and buckwheat groats are cooked (about 30 minutes)