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Hearty Lentil Vegetable Stew

This lentil vegetable stew combines hearty, absorbing lentils with a medley of colorful vegetables, simmered with aromatic spices until thick and velvety. Topped with fresh greens and brightened with lemon, it offers a comforting, nourishing experience with a vibrant final appearance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1 bell pepper red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup rinsed lentils green or brown
  • 2 cups kale or spinach chopped
  • 1 lemon lemon zested and juiced
  • to taste hot sauce or red pepper flakes optional
  • olive oil for sautéing olive oil

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until it releases a warm, aromatic smell.
  3. Stir in chopped carrots, celery, and bell pepper, cooking until they soften slightly and start to brighten in color, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in ground cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric, stirring well to coat the vegetables evenly and release their fragrant spices.
  5. Pour in the vegetable broth and add rinsed lentils, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot partially and let it cook for about 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
  6. Once the lentils are soft, stir in chopped greens like kale or spinach, cooking just until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove the stew from heat, then add lemon zest and squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Taste and add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if you like a spicy kick. Adjust salt if necessary.
  9. Give everything a good stir, allowing the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes before serving.
  10. Ladle the hearty stew into bowls, garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy with crusty bread or rice.

Notes

This stew tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Feel free to swap in seasonal greens or add roasted vegetables for variety.