Description
A hearty and nutritious Vegan Lentil Stew packed with wholesome vegetables, smoky spices, and tender lentils simmered to perfection. This comforting stew is perfect for a cozy meal and brimming with flavor and plant-based protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Onion, diced
- 4 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 stalk Celery, chopped
- 2 Carrot, diced
- 1 Sweet Potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 cup Fresh Spinach
- to taste Fresh Parsley, chopped for garnish
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 Bay Leaf
Tomato Ingredients
- 15 ounce Canned Chopped Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
Other Ingredients
- 1 can Brown Lentils, drained and rinsed
- 4 cup Vegetable Broth
- 1 Lemon, juice only (about 1 tablespoon)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large heavy bottom pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and diced carrots. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Spices and Tomatoes: Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the cubed sweet potato, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, canned chopped tomatoes, salt, and ground black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, so the vegetables get evenly coated with the spices and tomato paste.
- Add Lentils and Broth: Add the drained can of brown lentils, vegetable broth, lemon juice, and 2 bay leaves to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Simmer the Stew: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the stew simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook uncovered for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and becomes tender.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid and carefully take out the bay leaves. Spoon the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- You can substitute brown lentils with green or red lentils, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for extra heat if desired.
- This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked grains like rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: vegan lentil stew, lentil soup, healthy vegan dinner, plant-based stew, easy vegan recipe, hearty lentil stew
