Woke-Up-Too-Early Lentil Stew

Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: Comfort Food
• Category: Stew / Soup / Vegetarian
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5–7 minutes).
2. Stir in lentils, cumin, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice (if using) and adjust seasoning.
5. Serve warm, topped with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips & Storage

• Texture: For thicker stew, mash some lentils with a spoon before serving.
• Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 4 days. Freezes well up to 3 months.
• Add-ins: Kale, spinach, or diced potatoes go great in this stew.