Cozy Lentil Medley
Perfect for chilly days, this Cozy Lentil Medley is a hearty stew packed with wholesome ingredients that ensure you stay warm and satisfied. Rich in fiber and protein from lentils, it features a delightful combination of sautéed vegetables, aromatic spices, and juicy tomatoes. Ideal for family dinners, this stew is not only easy to prepare but also allows for customization to suit your taste. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or enjoy it on its own for a nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried lentils
1 cup (rinsed and drained)
Oil
2 tablespoons (vegetable or olive oil)
Celery ribs
2 (sliced)
Carrots
2 (sliced)
Yellow onion
1/2 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
Bay leaves
2 (whole)
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Chopped tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (canned, with juice)
Bouillon cube
1 (vegetable or chicken flavor)
Water
4 cups (filtered)
Salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onions and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 4 minutes until the onions become translucent and slightly caramelized.
3
Stir in the cumin, followed by the sliced celery and carrots. Cover the skillet and sauté for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
4
In a large pot, combine the water, bay leaves, and bouillon cube. Bring to a boil over high heat.
5
Once boiling, add the sautéed vegetable mixture, the canned chopped tomatoes (with juice), and the rinsed lentils to the pot.
6
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and cooked through.
7
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
8
Serve warm over rice or enjoy the stew on its own. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
9
Enjoy your Cozy Lentil Medley!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cozy Lentil Medley?
Cozy Lentil Medley is a hearty stew made with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices, perfect for chilly days.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, it is vegan if you use a vegetable bouillon cube as suggested.
Is the Cozy Lentil Medley gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include dried lentils, celery, carrots, yellow onion, garlic, and canned chopped tomatoes.
How long does it take to cook the lentils?
The lentils should simmer for 25-30 minutes until they are tender.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
You can use either vegetable oil or olive oil.
Do I need to soak the lentils?
No soaking is required; simply rinse and drain the dried lentils before adding them to the pot.
What can I serve with this stew?
It is delicious served over a bed of fluffy rice or enjoyed on its own.
How do I prepare the carrots and celery?
Both the carrots and celery ribs should be sliced before sautéing.
What spices are used in this medley?
The recipe uses ground cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of vegetable?
Yes, you can use either vegetable or chicken flavor bouillon depending on your dietary preference.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as it stores well and tastes great when reheated.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 sliced carrots.
How much water is required for the broth?
You will need 4 cups of filtered water.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, you should use the canned chopped tomatoes with their juice for extra flavor.
How long do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onions and garlic for about 4 minutes until translucent.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, you can garnish the finished stew with fresh herbs if desired.
Is this stew high in protein?
Yes, lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, making this a satisfying meal.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves?
Bay leaves are added to the boiling water to infuse the stew with a subtle aromatic flavor.
How much cumin should I add?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Is this dish high in fiber?
Yes, both the lentils and the vegetables provide a high fiber content.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 chopped garlic cloves.
Can I customize the recipe?
Yes, the stew allows for customization of vegetables and spices to suit your personal taste.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste after the lentils have finished simmering.
What heat setting should I use for simmering?
Once the pot reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low for the simmering process.
How many celery ribs are used?
The recipe requires 2 sliced celery ribs.
Is this a good meal for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a 'warm hug' and is ideal for cold weather meals.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe specifies using half of a yellow onion, chopped.
How much dried lentils do I need?
You will need 1 cup of dried lentils for this recipe.