Description
A hearty and cozy stew packed with wholesome veggies and tender lentils, perfect for chilly nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes. Mince the garlic. Measure out your spices and lentils.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the diced potatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2 minutes to coat everything evenly and deepen the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Add the lentils, bay leaves, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally and check the lentils—they should be tender but not mushy. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth.
- Stir in the spinach and let it wilt. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle into bowls while hot, and enjoy! Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Notes
[‘Rinse your lentils to remove dirt or debris.’, ‘Don’t skip the bay leaves—they add subtle earthiness.’, ‘Simmering is key for tender lentils and well-developed flavors.’, ‘Adjust seasonings to taste; add chili flakes for spice or lemon juice for tang.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 12
Keywords: lentil stew, vegetarian stew, cozy dinner, healthy recipe, plant-based meal