Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Crusty Bread

A deeply flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean-inspired stew brimming with green lentils, root vegetables, and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy fall evening.

• Prep: 15 min
• Cook: 45 min
• Total: 1 hr
• Servings: 5
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Difficulty: Medium
• Cost: $2.33/serving

Dietary

• Vegetarian
• Dairy-Free
• Vegan
• Nut-Free
• Soy-Free
• Egg-Free
• Pescatarian
• High-Protein
• High-Fiber
• Kosher
• Halal

Tags

• healthy
• comfort food
• savory

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 yellow onion (medium, chopped)
• 2 carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)
• 3 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup green lentils (rinsed)
• 6 cup vegetable broth
• 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 bay leaf
• 0.75 teaspoon salt
• 2 cup fresh spinach (packed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 4 slice crusty bread

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 8-10 minutes.
2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 can undrained diced tomatoes, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach until just wilted. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
5. Season the stew generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer for a few more minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve the comforting lentil and vegetable stew hot with slices of crusty bread.

Notes

This stew freezes well, so feel free to make a larger batch for future quick meals. A garnish of fresh parsley or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (if not dairy-free) would be a lovely addition.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 19 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Sugar: 8 g