Print

Cozy Lentil Stew

cozy lentil stew - featured image
Print Recipe

A simple, hearty, and budget-friendly lentil stew perfect for cozy evenings. This comforting meal uses pantry staples and develops rich flavors with tender lentils and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200 g) brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) canned diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: fresh parsley, plain yogurt or sour cream, crusty bread for dipping

Instructions

  1. Rinse and prep lentils: Place 1 cup (200 g) of lentils in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. Pick out any small stones or debris. Set aside. (5 minutes)
  2. Sauté vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes until softened and translucent. (7 minutes)
  3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. (1-2 minutes)
  4. Combine lentils and tomatoes: Add the rinsed lentils and 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir everything together so the lentils are well coated. (2 minutes)
  5. Pour in broth and add bay leaf: Pour in 4 cups (960 ml) vegetable broth and add 1 bay leaf. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil. (3 minutes)
  6. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the stew simmer gently. Cook until lentils and vegetables are tender but lentils still hold shape, about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. (25-30 minutes)
  7. Final seasoning and creaminess: Remove bay leaf. Stir in 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For a creamier texture, ladle out about 1 cup of stew and blend it until smooth, then stir back in. (5 minutes)
  8. Rest and serve: Let the stew rest off the heat for 5 minutes to help flavors meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt if desired. (5 minutes)

Notes

If stew is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. If over-salted, balance with extra vinegar or a pinch of sugar. Stir occasionally during simmer to prevent sticking. Adding apple cider vinegar at the end brightens flavors. For creamier texture, blend a portion of the stew and stir back in. Can swap carrots and celery for sweet potatoes and parsnips in fall. Red lentils cook faster and become softer; reduce cooking time to 15 minutes if using.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentil stew, cozy meal, budget-friendly, hearty stew, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, comfort food

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/cozy-lentil-stew-recipe-easy-hearty-budget-friendly-comfort-meal/