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Hearty Lentil Stew

A traditional, easy-to-make lentil stew that warms your hands and soul, perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed and picked over
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh chopped tomatoes)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-veg)
  • 1 leaf bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 sprig fresh)
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for warmth)
  • 4 cups chopped kale or spinach (stems removed)
  • 1/2 unit lemon (juice of, to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) Optional
  • 4 oz sliced smoked sausage or diced chicken (optional for non-vegetarian version) Optional

Method
 

Preparation & Sautéing
  1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté 6–8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Cooking
  1. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
  2. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy.
  3. (If using red lentils, reduce to 12–15 minutes.)
  4. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and simmer 2–3 minutes until greens are wilted.
  5. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Finish with lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Serving
  1. Serve hot over brown rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread. Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Stew flavors deepen after resting, making it great for meal prep.