Warm, hearty, and filled with goodness, this Lentil and Veggie Stew is the perfect comfort food for any day! 🌱🥣✨
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and diced
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 (14.5 ounce/400g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups vegetable broth, low sodium
- 2 potatoes (e.g., Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 cup kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers, toss in the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and the onion is translucent. This builds a delicious flavor base!
2. Add the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic, which can turn bitter.
3. Stir in the rinsed lentils, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional minute to toast those lovely spices.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then add the diced potatoes. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Increase the heat to high, bringing the stew to a boil. Then, reduce to low, cover, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
6. If you’re adding greens, toss in the kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover and let the greens wilt.
7. Once everything is tender, taste and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't forget to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
8. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This melds all those wonderful flavors together. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
Enjoy your warm bowl of stew! 🍲💚
#HealthyEating #ComfortFood #LentilStew #VeganRecipes #PlantBased