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Hearty Lentil Vegetable Stew

This comforting lentil vegetable stew is made by simmering earthy lentils with tender carrots, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in vegetable broth. The final dish has a thick, hearty texture with a vibrant, reddish hue, bursting with layers of flavor and wholesome goodness. It's a simple, improvisational dish that embodies warmth and home-cooked joy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality extra virgin
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 carrots carrots diced
  • 1 stalk celery diced (optional)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 can diced tomatoes or 2 fresh, chopped
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it shimmers and releases a fragrant aroma.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. The onion should smell sweet and be slightly golden around the edges.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and ground cumin, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant and slightly toasted, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the diced carrots (and celery if using), stirring to coat them in the fragrant oil and spices. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly and start to smell sweet and earthy.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed lentils. Increase the heat to high and bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low to maintain a simmer.
  6. Partially cover the pot and let the stew simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils should be tender but hold their shape, and the vegetables should be soft and fragrant.
  7. Add the canned diced tomatoes (or fresh chopped tomatoes), smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the stew to thicken slightly.
  8. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. If the stew is too thick, stir in a splash of hot broth or water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
  9. Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the hearty, comforting flavors.

Notes

You can customize this stew by adding other vegetables like spinach or zucchini near the end of cooking for extra freshness. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk at the end. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.