Cozy Lentil Stew

Name: Cozy Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped; Juice of 1 lemon

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 45 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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If you're looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly days, this Cozy Lentil Stew is your answer. It's packed with flavor, easy to make, and uses wholesome ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup!

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Ingredients for Cozy Lentil Stew

Olive oil is the foundation, giving our vegetables a lovely sauté and adding a subtle richness. Onion, carrots, and celery form the classic mirepoix, providing the stew with a flavorful base. The garlic enhances the depth, while cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper introduce warmth and spice. Lentils are the star, bringing protein and heartiness. Vegetable broth acts as the stew’s liquid backbone, while diced tomatoes offer acidity and a touch of sweetness. A bay leaf adds subtle aromatic notes. Finally, spinach and lemon juice are stirred in at the end for freshness and brightness.

Tips & Tricks

If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the lentils against the pot with your spoon.
Use low-sodium vegetable broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of steamed rice. You can also try it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added creaminess and tang.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils?: Yes, but reduce the simmering time to 10-15 minutes since canned lentils are already cooked.
How long does this stew keep?: Stored in an airtight container, it will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Cozy Lentil Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent, which should take about five minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell divine.

Next, stir in the garlic along with the cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Cook this aromatic mix for another two minutes or so until it’s fragrant. This step is crucial as it blooms the spices, enhancing their flavors.

Now, it’s time to add the main players: toss in the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and drop in the bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it work its magic for 30 to 35 minutes, until the lentils are tender.

Once the lentils are cooked to perfection, fish out the bay leaf and stir in the spinach and lemon juice. Let it cook for just five more minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple and budget-friendly ingredients that pack a punch.
Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, making it a nourishing meal.
Perfect for meal prep – tastes even better the next day!
Versatile enough to customize with whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

2 carrots, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 1/2 cups dried green or brown lentils

6 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 bay leaf

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

Juice of 1 lemon

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and cayenne pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-35 minutes, until lentils are tender.

4. Remove bay leaf and stir in spinach and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until spinach is wilted.

5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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