Stewed Lentils – A Flavorful Side Dish
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 6
Stewed lentils are a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. This flavorful recipe brings together the earthy taste of lentils with aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables, simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a delicious and nutritious side dish. Here’s how to make this easy, yet delicious, recipe that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry lentils | 500g |
| Tomato puree (passata) | 1 liter |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Carrot | 1 |
| Celery | 1 stalk |
| Yellow onions | ½ onion |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Bay leaves | 3 leaves |
| Fresh rosemary | To taste |
| Fresh sage | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatic Herbs
Start by preparing the vegetables for your stewed lentils. Peel and dice the carrot into small 4mm cubes. Do the same for the celery, cutting it into small, uniform pieces. Chop the yellow onion finely and set aside. Take the garlic clove, leaving it unpeeled, and set it aside for later.
To infuse the lentils with maximum flavor, create a bundle of aromatic herbs. Take the bay leaves, rosemary, and sage, and tie them together using kitchen twine. This will make it easy to remove them after cooking, but will still allow the herbs to flavor the dish.
2. Start the Sauté
In a large saucepan or casserole dish, heat a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced carrot, celery, and onion. Drop in the unpeeled garlic clove as well. Stir everything together to coat the vegetables with oil and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and become tender, but not browned. Keep the heat gentle to develop their flavor without burning them.
3. Add the Lentils and Tomato Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, rinse the lentils under cold running water to remove any dust or impurities. Once the vegetables are softened, add the lentils to the pan and stir them into the vegetable mixture. Next, pour in the tomato puree (passata). The rich, tangy tomato flavor will infuse the lentils as they cook, adding depth and sweetness to the dish.
4. Simmer and Cook
After adding the tomato sauce, fill your measuring cup with water, giving it a quick rinse to get any remaining tomato puree. Add enough water to the pot to just cover the lentils, about 300ml, depending on the size of your pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot with a lid and let the lentils cook slowly over low to medium heat. The lentils will absorb the tomato flavor and cook through, becoming tender and flavorful. Let them simmer for about 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure they have enough liquid. Add more water if needed to prevent the lentils from drying out.
5. Season to Taste
Once the lentils are tender and have absorbed the tomato sauce, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The dish should have a rich, savory flavor, with just the right balance of saltiness and peppery heat.
6. Final Touches
Before serving, remove the bundle of aromatic herbs and the garlic clove from the pot. Discard them, as their job is done. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit more extra virgin olive oil over the stewed lentils just before serving. This adds a smooth, fruity flavor that enhances the overall dish. If desired, sprinkle some finely chopped fresh rosemary or a dash of freshly ground black pepper to bring out more of the aromatic flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Stewed lentils can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile side dish for any meal. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or a simple salad. Their hearty texture and savory taste make them a great addition to any dinner table, especially during colder months when you’re craving something comforting and nutritious.
Enjoy your stewed lentils as a cozy side dish, or even as a main course for a light, vegetarian meal. The flavors will only get better as they sit, so feel free to make them ahead of time for an even richer taste the next day!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fiber | 15g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.8g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 8g |
Tips and Variations
- Add a touch of spice: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili to the vegetable sauté.
- Use vegetable broth: For an even richer flavor, replace the water with vegetable broth when cooking the lentils.
- Herb variations: While bay leaves, rosemary, and sage are traditional, you can experiment with other herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a bay leaf combined with a cinnamon stick for a warm, spiced twist.
- Make it a meal: Add in some cooked sausage, bacon, or even a few handfuls of spinach for a more substantial dish that can easily be turned into a one-pot meal.
This stewed lentils recipe offers a combination of earthy lentils, sweet vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s a perfect, healthy addition to your meal, whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a holiday feast.
