Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that will transport you to culinary bliss with just one spoonful? Look no further than this incredible Lentil and Carrot Stew – a vegetarian masterpiece that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! Packed with protein-rich lentils, sweet carrots, and aromatic spices, this stew is not just a meal, but a wholesome experience that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the diced carrots to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the carrots to soften slightly.
- After the carrots have softened, add the rinsed lentils to the pot, followed by the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the stew.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the carrots are cooked through.
- Once the lentils and carrots are cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve the lentil and carrot stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: The key to an outstanding stew is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for organic carrots and fresh garlic for the best flavor profile.
- Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris, ensuring a clean and pure taste.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic. This process develops a rich, deep flavor base for your stew.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Lentils absorb liquid differently, so keep an extra cup of vegetable broth on hand in case you need to adjust the consistency.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the stew to sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and creates a more harmonious dish.
- Garnish Creatively: While fresh parsley is classic, try experimenting with other herbs like cilantro or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
