Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Lentil & Vegetable Stew to wrap you up in a cozy hug from the inside out! This stew is not just hearty and satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make you feel good about what you’re eating. I love whipping this up after a long day; it’s so comforting and makes my kitchen smell incredible! The combination of lentils and fresh veggies creates a rich flavor that’s both filling and nourishing. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Prepare Lentil & Vegetable Stew
Now, let’s dive into making this oh-so-delicious Lentil & Vegetable Stew! It’s really straightforward, and I promise the end result is totally worth every minute you put in. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse your lentils under cold water. This step is super important because it helps get rid of any impurities. Give them a good rinse and set them aside.
- Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot so your onions can start to soften beautifully.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add your diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. The smell is divine, trust me!
- Now, toss in the chopped carrots and bell pepper. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to start softening up and mingling with that onion and garlic goodness.
- Time to add the star of the show! Stir in your rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, and the can of diced tomatoes. Also, sprinkle in the cumin and paprika. This is where the magic happens!
- Bring everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This allows those lentils to cook through and soak up all those flavors.
- Before serving, season your stew with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and you’re ready to dig in!
And there you have it! A warm, nutritious bowl of Lentil & Vegetable Stew that’s perfect for any day of the week. Enjoy the comforting flavors and feel free to customize it to your liking!
Nutritional Information
This Lentil & Vegetable Stew is not just delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome meal choice! Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, based on standard ingredients:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
These values are estimates, of course, and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But no matter how you make it, you can feel good about enjoying this hearty stew!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Lentil & Vegetable Stew! Here are just a few:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready to simmer away.
- Health Benefits: Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, this stew keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal veggies or spices!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this stew tastes even better the next day!
Trust me, once you get a taste of it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Tips for Success
To make your Lentil & Vegetable Stew even better, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t skip the rinsing of the lentils; it really enhances the flavor and texture. If you want to boost the nutrition, try adding in some leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. For an extra kick, a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can really elevate the dish! And remember, the longer you let it sit, the more the flavors develop, so don’t hesitate to make it a day ahead!
Variations
If you want to shake things up with your Lentil & Vegetable Stew, the possibilities are endless! For a fresh twist, try adding some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to pack in even more nutrients. You could also swap out the bell pepper for zucchini or sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Love a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice it up! Want an herby touch? Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma and depth. The beauty of this stew is that it’s so forgiving—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Lentil & Vegetable Stew is super easy! Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week! If you want to keep it longer, feel free to freeze it—just be sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave for a quick meal. Just make sure it’s heated through before diving in!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of lentils? Absolutely! While I love using green or brown lentils for this stew, you can also experiment with red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and may result in a softer texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can! Just add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a fantastic option for a hands-off meal!
How do I store leftovers? Allow your stew to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I add meat to this stew? Sure! If you’re not keeping it vegetarian, you can add cooked chicken or sausage for an extra protein boost. Just sauté it with the onions and garlic at the beginning.
What can I serve with this stew? It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides!
For more information on the health benefits of lentils, check out this Healthline article.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, visit our blog for inspiration!
And if you want to try a sweet treat, don’t miss our Almond Nut Cake Recipe!
Print
Lentil & Vegetable Stew: 7 Reasons to Love This Cozy Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A hearty and nutritious lentil and vegetable stew.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add carrots and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- This stew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Lentil & Vegetable Stew