Let me tell you about my go-to comfort food: Quick Lentil Tomato Stew! This hearty dish has saved me on countless busy nights when I just want something warm and nourishing. It’s packed with protein from the lentils and all the goodness of tomatoes, making it a powerhouse of nutrients. Trust me, you’ll love how quickly it comes together—perfect for those weeknights when time is tight but you still want a delicious meal. The aroma of the spices wafting through your kitchen while it simmers is just divine! Plus, it’s vegan, so it’s a win-win for everyone. You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups diced tomatoes, canned or fresh, with juices
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for sautéing
How to Prepare Quick Lentil Tomato Stew
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get the onions sizzling, but not so hot that they burn—about 2 minutes should do the trick. Once the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3–4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. Wow, the smell is already amazing!
Next, it’s time to add the star ingredients: the lentils, diced tomatoes (with all that juicy goodness), and the vegetable broth. Stir everything together, and then sprinkle in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil—this usually takes about 5 minutes.
Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes. This is when the magic happens! The lentils will soften, and the flavors will meld together beautifully. Make sure to check on it occasionally, giving it a stir to prevent sticking. When the lentils are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if you fancy a little more salt or spice. And that’s it! Serve it hot, and enjoy every comforting spoonful of your delicious Quick Lentil Tomato Stew!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Nutritious and filling, packed with protein and fiber.
- Versatile and customizable with your favorite veggies.
- One-pot meal for easy cleanup—yes, please!
- Budget-friendly, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Quick Lentil Tomato Stew! Each hearty serving (about 1 cup) is estimated to contain:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
These values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but it gives you a great idea of how nutritious this stew really is! It’s not just comforting, but it also fuels your body with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy knowing that you’re indulging in a meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious!
Tips for Success
To make your Quick Lentil Tomato Stew truly shine, here are some tried-and-true tips! First, don’t rush the sautéing step—allow the onions and garlic to become golden and fragrant, as this builds a rich base for your stew. If you like a kick, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you toss in the spices for an extra layer of flavor.
Also, remember to taste as you go! Everyone’s palate is different, so adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want a thicker stew, just let it simmer a little longer until it reduces to your preferred consistency. And for added nutrition, sneak in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. Trust me, it’s a great way to boost the goodness without altering the taste!
Variations
Get creative with your Quick Lentil Tomato Stew! You can easily switch things up by adding your favorite vegetables. How about tossing in some diced carrots or chopped bell peppers for a pop of color and extra crunch? If you’re a fan of greens, a handful of spinach or kale added at the end can elevate the nutrition without changing the flavor much.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm twist or some fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing finish. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Quick Lentil Tomato Stew is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. If you want to enjoy it beyond that, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to leave some space in the container, as it may expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it’s too thick. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of lentils?
Absolutely! While I love using green or brown lentils for this Quick Lentil Tomato Stew, you can also use red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and tend to break down more, giving you a creamier texture.
How do I store leftovers?
After letting your stew cool, simply place it in an airtight container. It lasts up to 3 days in the fridge, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months for a quick meal later. Just make sure to label it!
Can I make this stew in advance?
Yes, definitely! This stew actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can prepare it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy. Just remember to adjust the seasoning if needed after reheating!
What can I serve with this stew?
This stew is wonderful on its own, but I often serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. You could even pair it with a fresh salad for a complete and nutritious dinner!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Quick Lentil Tomato Stew is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure any vegetable broth you use is also gluten-free, and you’re all set for a delicious meal!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog or try our Pumpkin Lentil Soup for another comforting dish!
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Quick Lentil Tomato Stew: 7 Comforting Ingredients to Savor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and hearty lentil tomato stew that cooks quickly for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Check lentils for doneness and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or spinach.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Quick Lentil Tomato Stew