Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew (A Comfort Food Classic)

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something warm and satisfying on a chilly night? This lentils recipe is your answer. It’s packed with earthy flavors and spices. It's seriously good comfort food.

Brief Overview

This spiced lentil and vegetable stew has roots in rustic, simple cooking. it’s super easy to make and takes just over an hour from start to finish.

This recipe makes about 6 servings. it's enough to feed the whole fam!

Main Benefits

Lentils are nutritional powerhouses, full of fiber and protein. this stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. honestly, what makes this recipe special is the blend of spices.

They transform simple lentils into something amazing. it's a mediterranean diet meal plan dream.

Ready for Ingredients?

Getting Started with Your Spiced Lentil Stew

Okay, so let's get into the heart of this lentil soup recipe . the beauty of this lentils recipe lies in its simplicity.

Don’t get intimidated by the list. it's mostly just veggies and spices.

First up, you'll need 2 tablespoons of olive oil. then, 1 large onion, finely chopped. add 2 carrots, peeled and diced, and 2 celery stalks, also diced.

Throw in 2 cloves of minced garlic. don't forget about 1 inch of grated ginger.

Next, the spices: 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and ground coriander. grab ½ teaspoon each of turmeric powder and smoked paprika.

A pinch of cayenne pepper is optional. it's for that extra kick, you know?

Of course, the stars of the show: 1 cup of rinsed brown or green lentils . also, 4 cups of vegetable broth.

Don't skimp on this, good broth makes a huge difference. next, one can (14.5 ounce) of diced tomatoes, undrained.

Finally, 1 large potato, peeled and diced. don’t forget one bay leaf. salt and pepper to taste.

For finishing, you’ll want the juice of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. A dollop of plain or coconut yogurt is optional for serving.

From Simple Ingredients to Best Lentil Soup

This lentils recipe is more than just a list of ingredients. you can easily call this a mediterranean lentil salad when cold or use it in different soups and salads .

It's a gateway to easy, healthy eating. it's easy mediterranean diet recipes at its finest. it's definitely one of those mediterranean meals you’ll want to make again and again.

Let's move on to the next steps. time to start cooking!

It's a great Idee Pasto Sano .

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing lentils recipe . Trust me, it's easier than finding a parking spot downtown!

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients, No Mystery!

Okay, so we're making a spiced lentil and vegetable stew. it's practically a hug in a bowl, especially on a rainy day.

First, you will need 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of olive oil. good quality olive oil makes a difference.

It should smell fruity, not like old gym socks. i swear, the difference is huge.

Next, we're talking veggies:

• 1 large onion, chopped. That's about 200g .
• 2 carrots, diced around 150g .
• 2 celery stalks, diced about 100g .
• 2 cloves garlic, minced that is about 6g .
• A thumbsized piece of ginger, grated about 10g .

Now for the stars: 1 cup (about 200g ) of brown or green lentils. rinse them! nobody likes gritty lentil salad .

Then 4 cups ( 1 liter ) of vegetable broth and a 14.5 ounce (about 400g ) can of diced tomatoes.

Don’t drain the tomatoes, ok? oh my gosh, i almost forgot! you need 1 large potato, diced, around 200g . and a bay leaf.

Trust me on the bay leaf.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town, Population: YOU!

Spices are key. this is what separates this lentils recipe from the others, turning what could be a boring lentil soup recipe , into something extraordinary.

We are making the best lentil soup .

You'll need 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) each of ground cumin and ground coriander. then, ½ teaspoon ( 2.

5 ml ) each of turmeric powder and smoked paprika. a pinch of cayenne pepper is optional if you like it spicy.

The way that i do. these combos will make this taste like mediterranean meals

Don't be afraid to experiment a little. Taste as you go! It is easy to sub out to any spice that you have on hand.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

You don't need fancy gadgets for this easy Mediterranean diet dish. Just a large pot or Dutch oven, a cutting board, and a sharp knife will work for the most part.

No Dutch oven? No problem. A regular large pot will do. Seriously, don’t stress. If you are making a Mediterranean Diet Meal Plan you can't miss to add it.

If you don't have measuring cups and spoons, just eyeball it. Honestly, nobody's going to know.

Now, get your stuff and let's make a delicious lentil soup recipe for this soup season . this stew is great for soups and salads , or to add some warmth to mediterranean diet recipes dinners .

You could even create some salads bowls . i bet you will create an idee pasto sano .

Alright, let's talk about cooking! more particularly, let's dive into a spiced lentil and vegetable stew , a true comfort food champion.

This isn't your average culinary school dish. it’s one of those meals that just hugs you from the inside. it's easy too, even delia smith would give it a nod of approval.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

First things first: let’s get organized. this is what the fancy chefs call "mise en place." honestly, it just means having everything ready before you start.

Chop your 1 large onion , dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks . mince 2 cloves of garlic and grate about an 1 inch piece of ginger .

Measure out your spices. having all this ready shaves off time later. plus, no frantic searching for that cumin when the garlic's already burning.

Speaking of safety, remember to curl your fingers when chopping. keep those fingertips safe from the blade, yeah?

step-by-step: Simmering to Deliciousness

Okay, here's the lowdown:

1. Sauté 30 ml of olive oil , add onion, carrots, celery. Cook 5- 7 minutes until softish.
2. Stir in minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 1 minute , until you can smell that amazing garlic scent.
3. Now, add 5 ml of cumin, coriander, 2.5 ml of turmeric powder , paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional). Cook for 30 seconds . Trust me, toasting spices is everything .
4. Dump in 200g of rinsed lentils, 1 liter of vegetable broth, 400g of diced tomatoes, 200g of diced potato, and 1 bay leaf . Season it!
5. Bring it all to a boil, then simmer for 30- 40 minutes , till lentils are tender.

Visual cues for doneness? The lentils should be soft.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Stew Success

Wanna elevate your lentils recipe from good to great? my top tip? toast those spices! it unlocks a whole new level of flavor.

Also, don’t overcook the lentils. nobody wants mushy stew. check them after 30 minutes . looking for some easy mediterranean diet recipes dinners ? this spiced lentil and vegetable stew ticks all the boxes.

Salads Bowls

If you make this stew ahead of time, the flavors meld together even more beautifully. this easy mediterranean diet is perfect for meal prep.

You can totally make this into a mediterranean lentil salad in the summer by serving it cold with extra lemon juice.

The vibrant flavors shine, making it a star in salads bowls . it's also a great addition to your mediterranean diet meal plan .

For those colder months, this stew transitions seamlessly into a hearty lentil soup recipe . this lentil soup recipes makes it a classic in the soups and salads category.

If you're looking for vegan soups during soup season , this recipe is a lifesaver. it's also a fantastic idee pasto sano for a nutritious and filling meal.

So there you have it. My go-to lentils recipe . It's basically sunshine in a bowl. Enjoy, mates!

Alright, let's chat about some extra tidbits for this Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew. It's more than just a recipe, it's an experience.

Recipe Notes: Let's Level Up Your Lentil Game!

So, you've got the basics down for this killer lentils recipe . awesome! but let's get real, the details can make all the difference.

I learned that the hard way. one time, i forgot the lemon juice, and the stew was… blah. lesson learned! this spiced lentil and vegetable stew could also be used as inspiration in your mediterranean diet meal plan .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Honestly, presentation matters. this stew? it's screaming for a rustic bowl. plop a generous serving in there. top it with a dollop of plain yogurt.

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro? yes, please! got some crusty bread? perfect for dipping. this also means it is great in salads bowls .

For a mediterranean diet recipes dinners angle, serve it with a side of grilled halloumi. bam!

For beverages, i like a light bodied red wine. maybe a beaujolais? or even a crisp white wine. sparkling water with a lemon wedge works too.

Keep it simple. you can also consider it as part of mediterranean meals .

Storage Tips: Making it Last

This stew is even better the next day. seriously. flavors meld, magic happens. so, here's the deal. once it's cooled down, pop it in an airtight container.

It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Wanna freeze it? absolutely. just let it cool completely. then, portion it out into freezer safe containers or bags. it will last for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

You can add a splash of vegetable broth if it's too thick after thawing. it's perfect for soup season , isn't it? this is also great idee pasto sano .

Variations: Let's Get Wild

Okay, so you want to switch things up? i get it! feeling spicy? add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeno to the stew while it's simmering.

You could even add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

For dietary adaptations, it's already pretty darn friendly. To make it completely vegan, just make sure your vegetable broth is vegan friendly.

Seasonal swaps are also fun! in the fall, add some butternut squash or sweet potatoes. in the summer, throw in some zucchini or bell peppers.

Get creative! this stew is very open to that.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl

Okay, let's keep it real. i am not a nutritionist. but, this lentils recipe is packed with good stuff. we're talking fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

Lentils are superstars. did you know that legumes are one of the longest cultivated foods that human kind uses? they're also great for your gut.

The vegetables add even more nutrients. this is one easy mediterranean diet recipes that can be incorporated as easy mediterranean diet .

You might also be inclined to find a mediterranean diet meal plan for this lentil soup recipe as it can easily be a best lentil soup .

It's also a perfect choice when you seek vegan soups , soups and salads , lentil soup recipes

One serving will clock in at around 250-300 calories. with about 15g of protein. plus, it's low in fat and high in fiber.

You also get about 40g of carbohydrates. this stew is a nutritional powerhouse. it also can be used for lentil salad and mediterranean lentil salad .

Honestly, this stew is a winner. it's easy, delicious, and good for you. what's not to love? give it a try, and don't be afraid to make it your own.

You got this! and who knows, you might just end up with the best lentil soup recipe .