Cozy Harvest Lentil Stew
This Cozy Harvest Lentil Stew is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings. Packed with nutritious lentils, hearty vegetables, and a hint of herbs, this dish warms the soul and satisfies the appetite. It's easy to prepare in a slow cooker, letting the flavors meld beautifully while you go about your day. The addition of low-fat cheddar cheese gives it a creamy texture that enhances each delicious bite. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal that will become a staple during the colder months.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lentils
1 3/4 cups (sorted and rinsed)
onions
2 large (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (with liquid)
chicken broth
2 cups
carrots
2 large (sliced)
celery
1/2 cup (sliced)
bell pepper
1 (diced)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
bay leaf
1
salt
1/2 teaspoon
marjoram
1/8 teaspoon
sage
1/8 teaspoon
thyme
1/8 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
(to taste)
low-fat cheddar cheese
1/2 lb (shredded)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and sorting the lentils. Make sure to remove any debris or discolored lentils.
2
In the slow cooker, combine the sorted lentils, chopped onions, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced bell pepper, chopped parsley, bay leaf, salt, marjoram, sage, thyme, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper.
3
Stir the mixture well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high. Cook for 2.5 hours or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
5
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and stir in the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese until melted.
6
Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired, and enjoy this warming lentil stew.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cozy Harvest Lentil Stew?
It is a nutritious, slow-cooked comfort meal featuring lentils, hearty vegetables, and a creamy touch of cheddar cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for this stew?
The main ingredients include lentils, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and various herbs.
How long does the stew take to cook in a slow cooker?
The stew should be cooked on high for approximately 2.5 hours or until the lentils are tender.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No soaking is required, but you should rinse and sort the lentils to remove any debris or discolored pieces.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
To make it fully vegetarian, ensure you substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of shredded low-fat cheddar cheese to add a creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by using vegetable broth and either omitting the cheese or using a vegan cheese alternative.
What herbs are used to season the stew?
The seasoning includes parsley, bay leaf, marjoram, sage, and thyme.
When should I add the cheese to the stew?
The shredded cheese should be stirred in at the very end of the cooking process until it is completely melted.
What should I serve with Cozy Harvest Lentil Stew?
It is best served hot with a side of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the slow cooker?
You should chop the onions, mince the garlic, slice the carrots and celery, and dice the bell pepper.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes before adding them?
No, the tomatoes should be added with their liquid to provide extra flavor and moisture.
What is the purpose of the bay leaf?
The bay leaf adds a subtle aromatic depth to the stew while it simmers.
Do I leave the bay leaf in when serving?
No, you should remove and discard the bay leaf once the cooking is finished.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber-rich lentils, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and uses low-fat cheese.
Can I use different types of lentils?
Brown or green lentils are recommended as they maintain their shape well during slow cooking.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires two large onions, chopped.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
Can I add more black pepper?
Yes, you can add fresh ground black pepper to taste during the preparation.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 2 cups of chicken broth.
Is the bell pepper color specified?
The recipe calls for one diced bell pepper; you can use any color you prefer.
How much marjoram, sage, and thyme are used?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon each of marjoram, sage, and thyme.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, its warm and hearty profile makes it an ideal fall or winter staple.
Can I prepare this on the stove instead?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the liquid levels and simmer time until the lentils are tender.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
It specifies 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, which is best fresh for garnishing.
How do I know the lentils are cooked?
The lentils should be soft and tender but not completely mushy.
What makes the stew creamy?
The addition of melted low-fat cheddar cheese at the end provides a rich, creamy consistency.
How many cloves of garlic are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Is the salt amount adjustable?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to suit your dietary needs.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, lentil stew typically freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.