This delicious lentil stew is the perfect comfort food for cold winter nights. Packed with wholesome ingredients and warming spices, it's not only incredibly flavorful but also highly nutritious. The combination of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic herbs makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. This recipe is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly, making it a great option for those following a plant-based diet. Enjoy a bowl of this delicious lentil stew and feel nourished from the inside out!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain well.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and taste the stew, adjusting the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the lentil stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!