Hearty Lentil Stew

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a comforting bowl of Hearty Lentil Stew! This recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for cozy nights or when you need a nutritious meal in a hurry. Packed with flavor and nourishing ingredients, it's a one-pot wonder you'll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for Hearty Lentil Stew

Lentils are the star of this stew, providing protein and a hearty texture. Be sure to rinse them well before cooking. Vegetable broth acts as the flavor base, infusing the stew with depth. Onion and garlic add aromatic notes, while carrots and celery give a classic stew taste and crunch. Diced tomatoes bring acidity and a touch of sweetness. The bay leaf, thyme, and cumin create a warm, savory profile. Finally, olive oil helps sauté the vegetables to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker stew, mash a portion of the lentils against the side of the pot before serving.
  • Use red or green lentils; they cook quickly and hold their shape well.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.

Serving Suggestions

This stew pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice. For a little extra, top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time as canned lentils are already cooked. Add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Hearty Lentil Stew Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, which should take about 8 minutes.

Next, stir in the rinsed lentils, the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, and the vegetable broth. Toss in the bay leaf, thyme, and cumin. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the stew bubble away gently until the lentils are tender, which takes about 40 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste and don’t forget to remove the bay leaf.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Loaded with plant-based protein from lentils.
  • Rich, savory flavors with a hint of spice.
  • Simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Quick prep and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

1 cup dry lentils (rinsed and drained)
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 carrots (sliced)
2 stalks celery (sliced)
1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
1 bay leaf
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery; sauté until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, and cumin.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until lentils are tender, approximately 40 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the bay leaf before serving.

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