Vegetarian Lentil Stew (Printable Version)

Hearty, nourishing lentil stew with vegetables and herbs for plant-based comfort.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 ½ 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 oz) diced tomatoes
11 - 2 cups chopped spinach or kale

→ Spices & 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

→ Optional Garnish

17 - Fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, until vegetables soften.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
03 - Add potatoes, lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and potatoes are tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in spinach or kale and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with extra broth or water if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The way it fills your entire kitchen with an aroma that makes people drift in from other rooms asking whats cooking
  • How each bite tastes like something that simmered all day even though it comes together in under an hour
  • The satisfaction of serving something so nourishing that actually leaves everyone feeling genuinely comforted
02 -
  • Lentils continue absorbing liquid even after cooking so the stew will thicken in the refrigerator overnight
  • A splash of balsamic vinegar added right before serving wakes up all the flavors in a surprising way
03 -
  • Rinse your lentils thoroughly and pick out any small stones before cooking
  • Always taste and adjust the seasoning after the lentils are fully cooked
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