Hearty Lentil Stew: Comforting & Meal Prep Friendly (Print Version)
Hearty Lentil Stew is a comforting, protein-packed meal perfect for chilly evenings. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and ideal for meal prepping throughout the week.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Stew Foundation & Aromatics
01 -
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 medium carrots, diced
05 -
2 stalks celery, diced
→ Hearty Core & Liquid Gold
06 -
1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
07 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
08 -
6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
→ Mediterranean Spice Symphony
09 -
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
10 -
1 tsp ground coriander
11 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1 bay leaf
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Finish & Zesty Brightness
14 -
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
15 -
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 stalks celery, all diced. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Begin your Hearty Lentil Stew | Comforting & Meal Prep Friendly with this flavorful base.
02 -
Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aromas.
03 -
Pour in 1 1/2 cups rinsed brown or green lentils, 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, and 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth. Add 1 bay leaf. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat.
04 -
Cover the pot and simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Continue to simmer your Hearty Lentil Stew | Comforting & Meal Prep Friendly until rich and flavorful.
05 -
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For the perfect finish to your Hearty Lentil Stew | Comforting & Meal Prep Friendly, adjust seasonings as needed.
06 -
Ladle the warm stew into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve your Hearty Lentil Stew | Comforting & Meal Prep Friendly immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
# Notes:
01 -
This Hearty Lentil Stew is excellent for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
02 -
Feel free to add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach during the last 10 minutes of simmering. For a richer flavor, a splash of red wine can be added with the broth.
03 -
Serve this comforting stew with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of feta cheese, or a side of warm pita bread or brown rice to soak up all the delicious broth.
04 -
Brown or green lentils hold their shape well in this stew. Avoid red lentils, as they tend to break down completely and create a mushier texture, which isn't ideal for this recipe.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
06 -
Ladle
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 294 kcal
Total Fat: 5 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 16 g