Hearty Vegan Lentil Stew: A Nourishing Dinner Option

This hearty vegan lentil stew is the perfect comfort food for dinner. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Each serving contains approximately 300 calories, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet. For more delicious dinner recipes, explore our recipes page. Learn more about the benefits of lentils in your diet from this external source.

Servings and Preparation Time

• Serves: 4 people
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.
2. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces.

Step2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 3: Cook the Stew

1. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, and the bay leaf to the pot.
2. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf and season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Serve

1. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Tricks

• For added flavor, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the stew before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the lentils with a spoon before serving.
• This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to customize the recipe.

Feel free to add or remove ingredients according to your taste.