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Quick Vegan Lentil Stew Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 142 reviews

This quick vegan lentil stew is a hearty and nutritious one-pot meal featuring brown or green lentils simmered with carrots, tomatoes, and savory spices. Enhanced with optional greens like spinach or kale and finished with a touch of lemon juice, it makes a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and packed with plant-based protein.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced (optional)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Additions

  • 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a splash of oil or several tablespoons of vegetable broth. Sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced celery (if using) for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Carrots, Lentils, and Spices: Stir in the diced carrots, rinsed lentils, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute while stirring to evenly coat the vegetables and lentils with the spices.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes along with their juices, and add the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check that the lentils are tender; add additional broth or water as needed if the stew thickens too much.
  5. Wilt Greens: Stir in the baby spinach or chopped kale (if using) and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
  6. Season and Serve: Season the stew with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve hot for a nourishing meal.

Notes

  • Rinsing lentils thoroughly helps remove any dust or debris and improves texture.
  • You can substitute vegetable broth with water if needed, though broth adds more flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more salt or spices as desired.
  • Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors and balances the earthiness of the lentils.
  • For a thicker stew, reduce broth quantity or simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce liquid.

Keywords: Vegan lentil stew, quick lentil recipe, one-pot vegan dinner, easy lentil stew, plant-based protein stew

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/quick-vegan-lentil-stew-recipe/