Description
Discover how to make a hearty Vegetable Lentil Stew that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. This easy recipe will warm you up from the inside out!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) green lentils
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 russet potato, small diced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small zucchini squash, diced
- Salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground coriander
- 1 tsp (5 ml) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 ml) turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp (3 ml) chili powder, optional
- 1 (28 ounce (794 g)) can diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups (600ml) water or low-sodium broth
- 1 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley, stems removed
- Juice from half a lemon or lime
- Bread to serve
Instructions
- Rinse and prepare the lentils: Place them in a bowl, cover with water, and let them soak for about 10 minutes before draining thoroughly.
- Cook the hearty vegetables: In a large, heavy pot or Dutch Oven on medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion, carrot, celery, and diced potato. Stir frequently and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate garlic and zucchini: Toss in the minced garlic and diced zucchini. Continue sautéing for another 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Combine lentils, seasonings, tomatoes, and liquid: Mix in the lentils, a pinch of salt and pepper, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder if desired. Stir well, then add the diced tomatoes and water or broth.
- Simmer gently: Let everything come to a boil for 5 minutes, then lower the heat. Cover the pot and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the lentils are fully cooked, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if necessary.
- Finish and serve: Take the pot off the heat and mix in the chopped parsley and lemon or lime juice. Serve the stew in bowls, drizzled with a bit of vegetable oil, alongside your preferred crusty bread.
Notes
- Consider using low-sodium broth for a richer flavor in the lentil stew.
- Adjust the chili powder to customize the spice level to your liking.
- Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for an enhanced presentation.
