Hearty Vegetarian Lentil Stew (Print Version)

Tender lentils and vibrant vegetables simmered with aromatic herbs create this nourishing, protein-rich bowl.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
10 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
11 - 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped

→ Spices and Seasonings

12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
14 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
15 - 1 bay leaf
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add cubed potato, rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and potatoes are tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in chopped spinach or kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust consistency by adding extra broth or water if desired.
07 - Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent hours cooking when really you've got dinner ready in about an hour, no shortcuts necessary.
  • One pot means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy eating.
  • The lentils give you real protein and substance without any fuss or fancy techniques.
02 -
  • Forget the bay leaf and you'll spend fifteen minutes fishing around in a hot pot trying to find it, so secure it or just remember which spoon you dropped it in with.
  • Don't skip rinsing the lentils first, otherwise you end up with a slightly grainy texture that no amount of stirring fixes.
03 -
  • If your stew turns out thinner than expected, don't panic, just simmer it uncovered for the last few minutes to reduce it naturally.
  • Taste as you go with the salt and pepper because you can always add more, but you can't take it out once it's in.
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