Lentil stew with Vegetables-Vegan way

Helena Radulovic Toffolon

7 hours ago

4 min read

Lentil Stew with Vegetables-Vegan Way

Delicious Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Medley

A Delicious and Nutritious Vegan Stew

A wonderful stew brimming with rich vegetables and hearty lentils makes for an ideal meal, perfect for both lunch and dinner. The preparation of this delightful dish is not only simple but also relatively quick, making it an excellent choice for busy days when you still want to enjoy a nourishing home-cooked meal.

In crafting this recipe, I opted to prepare it in a vegan way, ensuring that it is completely free of any meat products. Additionally, I chose to omit the use of didatja flour and ground pepper, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables and spices to shine through. This approach results in a meal that is light yet satisfying, packed with essential vitamins and fiber that contribute to a healthy diet.

Ingredients for the Stew

To make this wholesome meal, you will need the following ingredients:

- Lentils: A fantastic source of protein and fiber, lentils are the star of this stew. They add a hearty texture and absorb the flavors of the broth beautifully.

- Carrots: Sweet and vibrant, carrots enhance the stew's flavor and provide a wealth of vitamins, particularly vitamin A.

- Onions: Onions add a savory depth to the stew, with their natural sweetness balancing the other ingredients.

- Stalks of Celery: Celery contributes a refreshing crunch and a subtle earthiness that complements the other vegetables.

- Potatoes: Adding potatoes gives the stew a comforting, creamy element, making it even more filling.

- Broth: Vegetable broth serves as the flavorful base of the stew, infusing it with rich, savory notes.

- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes bring acidity and brightness to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.

- Tomato Paste: A spoonful of tomato paste intensifies the tomato flavor, adding depth and richness to the stew.

- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, these ingredients help to elevate the flavors of the vegetables.

-Garlic: This versatility allows garlic to enhance the flavor of soups and stews, marinades, and dressings.

- Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the lentils and vegetables beautifully.

- Bay Leaf: A bay leaf or two can infuse the stew with a subtle aromatic quality, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

A Cherished Family Recipe

This stew holds a special place in my heart, as it was lovingly prepared by my mother, who always knew how to create meals that were not only delicious but also comforting and nourishing. The combination of ingredients results in a dish that is both tasty and juicy, with a medley of flavors that come together harmoniously.

Serving Suggestions

To serve this delightful stew, I recommend pairing it with a warm loaf of either white or black bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the stew, allowing you to savor every last drop of the flavorful broth.

Conclusion

I believe that once you try this hearty vegan stew, you will find it to be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Its combination of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors makes it a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this nourishing meal that celebrates the bounty of vegetables and the goodness of lentils!

Ingredients: simple, total time: 1 h 15 min., 4 servings

For Lentils

400 g of red or green lentils/ or already boiled in a can
1 large onion/ finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic/ minced
2 large carrots/ finely chopped
2 large potatoes/ small cubes, diced
2 large tomatoes/ chopped
1 full Tbsp tomato concentrate
1 bay leaf
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper to taste
3 Tbsp of olive oil EVO
800 - 900 ml of broth/ or water + 1 full tsp dry spice Vegeta
2 Tbsp fresh parsley leaves/ finely chopped, optional

Preparation:

First, prepare all the ingredients from the description above.

Note:

When working with red lentils, pre-soaking is not required. However, for green lentils, it is recommended to soak them for 1-2 hours before rinsing thoroughly. In this case, I used canned lentils that were pre-cooked. I made sure they were well-drained and rinsed under cold water.

Preparation of Lentils

Start by heating the oil in a large pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Next, add the chopped carrots and potatoes, sautéing them for a few additional minutes while gradually incorporating a small amount of broth (150 ml) or water.
Once the vegetables have softened, add the chopped tomatoes and continue cooking for a few more minutes; allow them to soften thoroughly and release their juice. Pour in one spoon of tomato concentrate, stir, and add 200 ml of broth or water. Cook for about 15 minutes.
Now add lentils, bay leaf, cumin (if desired), salt, and pepper to taste. Cover with the remaining water or vegetable stock.
Simmer over low-medium heat until the lentils are tender, approximately 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
After cooking, remove from heat and add the finely chopped parsley. Stir and let it stand for 5 minutes.

Serving:

Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Buon appetito!

"May your kitchen be always filled with wonderful aromas, your table with good food, and your heart with the joy of sharing" ☕❤️🌹

NOTE:

I used pre-cooked canned lentils, which reduced the cooking time to about 15 minutes after adding the broth.
As you like you aromatic herbs, you can add weed dill and 1/2 celery stalk.
For those who can't live without meat: To create a more substantial dish, consider incorporating Carniola sausages, diced bacon, boiled chicken, or diced beef. So, adjust the amounts of tomatoes and broth accordingly.
While the vegetables and lentils are cooking, always add broth gradually. I prefer thicker varieties, so I used less liquid.
Store the lentils in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat using either a saucepan or a microwave.