Cozy Lentil Stew (A Hug in a Bowl)

Cozy Lentil Stew A Hug In A Bowl

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 large onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced (approx. ¾ cup)
• 2 celery stalks, diced (approx. ¾ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed (200g)
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth (1.4 liters)
• 1 (14.5 ounce/400g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Add lentils, broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
• Remove bay leaf. Stir in red wine vinegar (or lemon juice). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley (optional).

Nutrition Facts

Calories	275 calories
Fat	6.5g
Fiber	12.5g

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	French

Recipe Introduction: Cozy Lentil Stew is Calling!

Ever get that craving for something proper comforting? i know i do! this lentil stew recipe is exactly that. it is like a warm hug in a bowl.

Honestly, it's the absolute best lentil soup for chasing away those grey days.

A Bowlful of History

This simple lentil soup recipe isn't just delicious. it's got history! think peasant food, done right. it has origins in humble kitchens.

It's a hearty dish. it's easy to make, ready in about an hour, and serves six lucky people.

Why This Lentil Soup Recipe Rocks

This clean lentil soup isn't just tasty. it's actually good for you! lentils are packed with fibre, a proper nutritional powerhouse.

Honestly, fibre is great for keeping your gut happy. this spiced lentil soup recipe is perfect for a chilly evening.

It is good after a long day, or frankly, any time you fancy a bit of comfort. what makes it special? the smoky paprika gives it a unique edge.

It's dead easy to make, and it tastes even better the next day!

Let's Talk Ingredients

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. here is what you will need to recreate this best lentil soup recipe , that will give you fantastic lentil recipes , and a great idee pasto sano .

It starts with olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery. then garlic, paprika, thyme, oregano, and a bay leaf bring that beautiful flavor.

Add lentils, broth, and tomatoes. a splash of red wine vinegar finishes it off. it will result in a bowlful of egyptian lentil soup recipe flavors.

Time to get cooking!

Alright, let's talk grub, particularly, what you'll need to make this cozy lentil stew ! think of it as a cheat sheet before we dive into making this simple lentil soup recipe .

Ingredients: The Heart of the Matter

Listen, good ingredients make good food. It's just a fact. You know? This lentil stew recipe isn't fussy, but decent quality will make a difference. Here's the breakdown:

Main Players

• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is the base! Use good quality olive oil.
• Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup). Yellow or white is fine.
• Carrots: 2 , peeled and diced (about ¾ cup). Gives it that sweet earthy vibe.
• Celery: 2 stalks , diced (about ¾ cup). Adds a fresh, savory note.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is always best, trust me.
• Lentils: 1 cup (200g) . Brown or green! Just rinsed, of course.
• Broth: 6 cups (1.4 liters) . Veggie or chicken. Low sodium if you can!
• Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounces/400g) . Don't drain 'em!

Seasoning Superstar

• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon . Honestly, this is the secret weapon. It is what makes this Spiced Lentil Soup stand out.
• Dried thyme: ½ teaspoon . Adds a classic earthy flavor.
• Dried oregano: ½ teaspoon . A touch of warmth and zing.
• Red pepper flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). For a bit of a kick!
• Bay leaf: 1 . Don't forget to take it out later, though. I did once and nearly choked.
• Red wine vinegar (or lemon juice): 1 tablespoon . To brighten it all up.
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped, for garnish (optional). Makes it look all fancy.
• Salt and pepper: To taste! Don't be shy! Taste as you go.

Remember that this Lentil Recipes are pretty forgiving.

Quality Check

For the lentils, just make sure they're not super old and dusty. as for the tomatoes, if you can get a good brand of canned diced tomatoes, go for it.

You know, those that are actually sweet and flavorful. it totally elevates the stew. if the tomato flavor is your thing then you can adjust the ingredients in the egyptian lentil soup recipe , and add more tomatoes.

Equipment Arsenal

Okay, you don't need much to make this The Absolute Best Lentil Soup .

• Large pot or Dutch oven. Something big enough to hold everything.
• Cutting board. Obvious.
• Chef's knife. For choppin'.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Unless you're a pro and can eyeball everything.

That's it! No fancy gadgets needed for this Clean Lentil Soup . Got it? Great. Let's get cooking!

Right, let's get into this cozy lentil stew . proper comfort food, innit? i had this once on a super miserable rainy day and honestly, it turned the whole day around.

Something about it just warms you up from the inside out. ready to make a bowl of sunshine?

Cooking Method: Making the Best Lentil Stew

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First things first. let's get organised. you know, mise en place and all that jazz. chop 1 large onion , dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks .

Mince 2 cloves of garlic . rinse 1 cup of brown or green lentils . having everything ready just makes life so much easier.

It's like having your ducks in a row, innit?

The Magic Happens: Step-by-Step

1. Sauté those aromatics. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. Medium heat is your friend. Add your onions, carrots, and celery. Cook them until they soften, about 5- 7 minutes . Keep stirring, yeah?
2. Garlic and spice time! Stir in your minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika , ½ teaspoon of dried thyme , ½ teaspoon of dried oregano , and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling brave, like ¼ teaspoon . Cook for about 1 minute . You'll smell it!
3. The main event. Add your rinsed lentils, 6 cups of vegetable broth , and 1 can of diced tomatoes . Chuck in a bay leaf too. Season it all with salt and pepper. Don't be shy, you know?
4. Simmer, baby, simmer. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 30- 40 minutes . The lentils need to be tender. Not mushy, mind you!
5. Almost there! Fish out that bay leaf. Give the stew a stir. Add 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar . Taste it. Adjust the seasoning. Does it need more salt? Pepper? Go for it!
6. Serve it up! Ladle that glorious stew into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for a Next Level Stew

Wanna take your lentil stew from good to amazing ? Here are a few tricks I've picked up.

• Don't overcook the lentils! Mushy lentils are nobody's friend. Keep an eye on them.
• Make this ahead of time. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. The flavours just meld together beautifully. Clean Lentil Soup is great for meal prep.
• A little lemon juice or vinegar brightens up the whole dish. Don't skip it! It elevates the flavour, trust me.

This simple lentil soup recipe is a solid base, but you can totally make it your own. you could add some chorizo for a smoky kick, or some spinach for extra goodness.

It's your stew, your rules! hope you enjoy this idee pasto sano as much as i do! this recipe is the absolute best lentil soup , especially with crusty bread.

I'm always looking for new lentil recipes and this one is definitely my favourite. there are other lentil soup recipes out there, including the best lentil soup recipe , but this one is special.

Or, if you're feeling exotic, maybe try an egyptian lentil soup recipe . it's all about making it your own! i use this spiced lentil soup recipe all the time.

I love cooking!

Alright, let's talk shop about this amazing lentil stew . we're gonna nail down some key bits so you can make it your own.

Honestly, there are so many different lentil soup recipes out there but this one? it's special.

Recipe Notes: Your Lentil Stew, Your Way

Plating Perfection & Pal Companions

Okay, so you've made this glorious lentil stew . but how do we make it look amazing ? think rustic chic.

A nice, deep bowl. a sprinkle of fresh parsley. drizzle of good olive oil, maybe?

And what to serve with it? crusty bread is a must for dipping. you know, so you can mop up every last drop.

A simple side salad cuts through the richness too. honestly, idee pasto sano at its finest. or even a cheeky glass of red wine.

Storage Secrets

Leftover lentil stew ? You're in for a treat. It tastes even better the next day.

• Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely first. Then, portion it into freezer safe containers. It's good for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Easiest thing ever. Microwave it until piping hot. Or, gently reheat it on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if it's too thick.

Variations on a Theme: Making it Yours

Want to shake things up? Course you do!

• Dietary Swaps: For a vegan version, just make sure you're using vegetable broth. Boom! Job done. And for a gluten free option? Easy, this recipe is naturally gluten free as is!
• Seasonal Fun: In the autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash. Summer? Courgette would be amazing. The possibilities are endless!

Nutrition Basics : Goodness in Every Bowl

So, what's the deal with lentil stew and your health? well, lentils are packed with fiber. this is a clean lentil soup after all.

And protein. plus, they're low in fat. so, basically, you're winning at life. we're talking about a real idee pasto sano , you know?

Each bowl is roughly 250-300 calories. It is filling and wholesome, making it a great choice for a healthy, satisfying meal.

I reckon you'll find the best lentil soup recipe is actually your own.

So go on! give this simple lentil soup recipe a go. don't be afraid to play around with the flavours.

You might just surprise yourself! this really is the absolute best lentil soup , isn't it?