Description
This hearty lentil and vegetable stew is packed with wholesome lentils, colorful vegetables, and savory herbs. It’s a nourishing, budget-friendly meal perfect for cool evenings, featuring a medley of vegetables simmered gently with herbs in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Legumes & Canned Goods
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly to prevent sticking and prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften and start to become fragrant.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Lentils and Liquids: Incorporate the rinsed brown lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf into the pot. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Simmer Stew: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover partially, and let it simmer gently for 25 minutes, allowing the lentils to absorb flavors and start softening.
- Add Zucchini: Stir in the diced zucchini and continue simmering the stew for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until lentils are fully tender and zucchini is cooked through but still slightly firm.
- Season and Finish: Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the warm stew into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added greens and nutrition.
- This stew thickens as it sits and is excellent for meal prep; flavors deepen over time.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months to enjoy later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
