Quick Lentil Stew Recipe ๐ฒ
Overview:
I learned this one-dish hot meal for cold nights with some heat from my Hungarian landlady years ago. Cheap to make and very tasty, this Quick Lentil Stew is perfect for weeknights when you need something hearty and comforting. It’s a European-inspired dish with a hint of Hungarian flavor and a touch of Indian spices. Plus, it’s low in protein and low in cholesterol, making it a wholesome option for any mealtime.
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 10
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Lentils |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 5 cloves | Garlic |
| 1 | Onion |
| 1 tbsp | Tomato paste |
| 4 cups | Water |
| 2 | Smoked ham hock |
| 3 tsp | Garam masala |
| 1 tsp | Cumin |
| 1 tsp | Paprika |
| To taste | Salt and pepper |
Instructions:
-
Prepare Ingredients:
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- Tip: If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy, drain excess bacon grease, then sautรฉ the garlic and onion in the remaining bacon grease for added flavor.
-
-
Cook Lentils:
- Add lentils, tomato paste, and water to the pot. If using smoked meat, add it at this stage.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you prefer your stew to be al dente, check the texture after 1 hour and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
-
Remove Meat (Optional):
- If you’ve used smoked ham hock, remove it from the stew once it’s cooked through. You can shred the meat and add it back to the stew later if desired.
-
Vegetarian Option:
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and substitute vegetable broth for water to maintain the rich flavor.
-
Season and Spice:
- Stir in garam masala, cumin, and paprika to add depth and a hint of heat to the stew.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
- Allow the stew to simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
-
Serve Hot:
- Ladle the hot lentil stew into bowls.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 97.8
- Fat: 3.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 1.1mg
- Sodium: 153.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3.3g
- Protein: 4.7g
Tips and Variations:
- Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers to the stew for an extra kick.
- Bulk it Up: Feel free to add diced vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
- Storage: This stew freezes well, so consider making a double batch and storing the leftovers in individual portions for easy lunches or dinners later on.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Quick Lentil Stew as a satisfying meal any day of the week! It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. ๐ฅฃ๐ฟ
