This flavorful and robust blend of fresh, vibrant vegetables, hearty lentils, and aromatic herbs creates a wonderfully nourishing stew that is not only satisfying but also freezer-friendly, making it an ideal choice for comfort during the chilly months of winter. The combination of ingredients in this stew results in a rich tapestry of flavors and textures that warms the soul and fills the belly.
Packed with an assortment of vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, and spinach, this dish offers a colorful presentation as well as a wealth of nutrients. Each vegetable contributes its unique taste and health benefits, ensuring that every spoonful is both delicious and beneficial for your well-being. Lentils, known for their high protein and fiber content, serve as the perfect base, providing a hearty and filling element that complements the vegetables beautifully. As they simmer, the lentils absorb the flavors of the herbs and spices, enhancing the overall depth of the stew.
The inclusion of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley elevates the dish further, infusing it with fragrant notes that awaken the senses. These herbs not only add flavor but also bring additional health benefits, making this stew a wholesome option for those looking to boost their nutrient intake.
Moreover, this stew is incredibly versatile, allowing for substitutions based on seasonal produce or personal preferences. Whether you prefer to add zucchini in the summer or root vegetables in the fall, the recipe can easily adapt to what you have on hand. This flexibility makes it an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, ensuring that you can enjoy a variety of flavors throughout the year.
Even meat lovers will find joy in this dish, as the hearty nature of the lentils and the robust flavors of the vegetables create a satisfying meal that stands on its own. The stew can be served alongside crusty bread or over a bed of rice, making it a complete meal that appeals to all palates.
Furthermore, the convenience of being able to prepare a large batch and freeze individual portions means you can have a comforting, homemade meal ready to go whenever the craving strikes. Simply reheat and enjoy the warmth and nourishment that this delightful stew provides, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. In summary, this stew is not just a dish; it is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, a source of comfort, and a delightful way to embrace the flavors of the season while nurturing your body with essential nutrients.
Prep Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1:30 hr Total Time: 1:45 hr
Servings: 1.5 cups each
INGREDIENTS
2 Tbsp refined coconut oil
1 yellow onion
4 cloves garlic
4 carrots (about 1/2 lb.)
4 stalks celery
2 lbs potatoes
1 cup brown lentils
1 tsp dried poultry seasoning
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1.5 Tbsp soy sauce or liquid aminos (aminos will make this stew gluten free)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
5 cups vegetable broth
1 cup frozen peas
INSTRUCTIONS
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the oil, onion, and garlic to a large soup pot and begin to sauté over medium heat.
While the onion and garlic are sautéing, dice the celery, then add it to the pot and continue to sauté. As the celery, onion, and garlic are sautéing, peel and chop the carrots into half rounds. Add the carrots to the pot and continue to sauté.
As the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots are sautéing, peel and cube the potatoes into 3/4 to 1-inch pieces. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot along with the lentils, poultry seasoning, Dijon, soy sauce (or aminos), brown sugar, and broth.
Briefly stir the ingredients to combine, then place a lid on the pot, turn the heat up to high, and bring the stew up to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toward the end of the simmer time, when the potatoes are very soft, begin to mash the potatoes a bit as you stir. This will help thicken the stew.
Finally, after 30 minutes, stir in the frozen peas and allow them to heat through. Taste the stew and add salt if needed (this will depend on the salt content of your broth, I did not add any extra). Serve hot with some homemade baked Artisan No Knead Bread. Enjoy!
Reposted from BudgetBytes with some minor changes.
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