Are you craving a hearty, nutritious meal that's both comforting and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this Root Vegetable and Lentil Stew – a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a wholesome meal that hugs you from the inside out, this stew is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and protein-packed lentils, it's not just a meal – it's a bowl of pure satisfaction waiting to be devoured!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 parsnips, chopped
- 1 potato, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Chop the carrots and parsnips into bite-sized pieces, dice the potato, and chop the onion finely.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the chopped carrots and parsnips to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
- Next, add the diced potato to the pot and stir to combine all the vegetables. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the vegetables are slightly tender, add the rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the lentils are well mixed with the vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, making sure to cover all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for about 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- During the last few minutes of cooking, taste the stew and add salt and pepper to your liking. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Once the stew is ready, remove it from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Root Vegetable and Lentil Stew warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty and nutritious meal!
Tips
- Rinse your lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt and prevent a gritty texture.
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for the most robust flavor.
- Don't rush the sautéing process – letting vegetables caramelize adds depth to the stew.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing vegetables.
- If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more broth or water during cooking.
- Let the stew rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
- For a protein boost, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
