Smoky Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew Recipe

Overview:

This Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a delightful dish that stands strong as a vegetarian main course or can be enhanced with smoked duck for meat lovers. The red lentils contribute to a rich, soup-like consistency that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick meal on a busy day, and you can elevate it further by serving it over white rice for a classic “beans and rice” experience.

Recipe Details:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: Adjusts according to your preference

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

Instructions:

1. Sauté Vegetables:

   • Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   • Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté them until they begin to caramelize slightly, which enhances their natural sweetness.

2. Add Garlic:

   • When the vegetables are almost finished sautéing, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute more, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

3. Incorporate Lentils:

   • Add the red lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine them with the sautéed vegetables. This allows the lentils to absorb the flavors of the vegetables and oil.

4. Add Liquid and Seasonings:

   • Pour in the vegetable stock or broth and add the diced tomatoes (including their juice).
   • Sprinkle in the ground cumin. If desired, add TABASCO® Chipotle Pepper Sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.

5. Simmer:

   • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.

6. Cook Until Tender:

   • Let the stew simmer gently for about 25 minutes or until the red lentils are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and check the liquid level periodically.

7. Adjust Consistency:

   • If the liquid reduces too much before the lentils are fully cooked, add a little water to keep the stew at a simmer until the lentils reach the desired tenderness.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew hot, either as is for a hearty vegan dish or alongside white rice to create a classic combination of flavors and textures.
• Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a vibrant finish, and accompany with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 549.2
• Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 483.1mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 78.5g
  • Fiber: 15.2g
  • Sugar: 10.4g
• Protein: 27.1g

Keywords:

One Dish Meal, Grains, Lentil, Onions, Beans, Vegetable, Moroccan, African, Vegan, Spicy, Savory, Stove Top, Easy, Inexpensive

Recipe Notes:

• This stew is versatile and can be adjusted based on personal preferences. Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the spiciness level with additional TABASCO® Chipotle Pepper Sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days and often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Enjoy preparing and savoring this Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew, a dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors, perfect for any occasion from a quick weeknight dinner to a casual gathering with friends and family! 🍲