Soups & Stews > Hearty Stews > Vegetarian Stews > Vegetable Stew with Lentils Recipe

Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew

This hearty lentil and vegetable stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect comforting meal for any day. It's easy to make, budget-friendly, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables. This recipe is vegetarian and can be easily made vegan.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium, chopped Onion
  • 2 medium, chopped Carrots
  • 2 stalks, chopped Celery
  • 3 cloves, minced Garlic
  • 1 28 ounce can, undrained Diced Tomatoes
  • 6 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 5 ounces, roughly chopped Spinach
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Spinach and Lemon Juice)

Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, lentils, bay leaf, and dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

Finish the Stew

Remove the bay leaf. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a dollop of yogurt (optional). Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 80-100 kcal
Protein: 5-7g
Fat: 2-4g
Carbohydrates: 12-15g
Fiber: 4-6g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This stew is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber. Using low-sodium vegetable broth will help reduce sodium content. Adding more vegetables will increase the vitamin and mineral content of the stew.

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FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of lentil?

    Yes, you can use red lentils, but they will cook faster and may become mushier. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Can I add other vegetables?

    Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers.
  • How long does this stew last?

    This stew will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Can I freeze this stew?

    Yes, this stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months.