Description
A hearty and comforting stew made with creamy red lentils, tender vegetables, and smoky spices. This nourishing plant-based dish is rich in flavor and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped greens (kale, spinach, broccoli, or Swiss chard)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (optional)
- Hot sauce to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the celery, carrots, and sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and 1 teaspoon kosher salt and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the balsamic vinegar and stir well.
- Add the smoked paprika, cumin, rinsed red lentils, and vegetable broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer gently for 20–25 minutes until the lentils are tender and creamy.
- Stir in the chopped greens and the remaining teaspoon of salt.
- Cover and cook for about 3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add extra broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.
- Serve warm with optional toppings such as yogurt, chives, green onions, or hot sauce.
Notes
- Add diced potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
- For a spicier stew, include cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Stir in coconut milk at the end for a creamy variation.
- The stew thickens as it sits; add broth or water when reheating if needed.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 15 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
