Hearty Pantry Lentil Stew
Warm up with this Hearty Pantry Lentil Stew, a delicious, comforting dish that brings together the goodness of lentils and fresh vegetables. Utilizing pantry staples and minimal ingredients, this stew offers a delightful blend of flavors enhanced by herbs and garlic. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it's a breeze to make and serves just the right amount for a family of four, ensuring you enjoy every hearty bite without overwhelming leftovers. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to whip up a nutritious and flavorful meal.
4
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry lentils
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
chicken broth
3 1/2 cups (Use store-bought or homemade)
peeled Italian tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (Cut up)
peeled chopped potato
1 cup (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
chopped carrot
1/2 cup (Diced)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (Diced)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (Diced (optional))
dried parsley
1 tablespoon (No preparation needed)
dried basil
1 tablespoon (Crushed)
garlic clove
1 (Minced)
pepper
1 dash (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing and draining the dry lentils thoroughly to remove any impurities.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, cut-up Italian tomatoes (with their juice), chopped potato, carrot, celery (if using), parsley, basil, minced garlic, and a dash of pepper.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low to let it simmer.
4
Cover the saucepan and allow the stew to simmer for 45 to 50 minutes, stirring occasionally. The lentils and vegetables should become tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Enjoy this hearty stew warm, ideally with crusty bread!
Nutrition Information
1.25g
Fat
30g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
7.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Pantry Lentil Stew?
Hearty Pantry Lentil Stew is a comforting, nutritious dish made with lentils, fresh vegetables, and pantry staples, perfect for a cozy family dinner.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this stew?
The main ingredients include dry lentils, chicken broth, canned Italian tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and various dried herbs.
How long should the stew simmer?
The stew should be covered and allowed to simmer for 45 to 50 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
How many calories are in one serving of the lentil stew?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the recipe is simple enough for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices to prepare easily.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is very low, at approximately 1.25g per serving.
How much protein does this stew provide?
Each serving of this lentil stew provides about 7.5g of protein.
Does this recipe contain a lot of fiber?
Yes, it is high in fiber, offering 7.5g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to prepare the lentils before cooking?
Yes, you should thoroughly rinse and drain the dry lentils to remove any impurities before adding them to the pot.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of peeled Italian tomatoes, which should be cut up before use.
Is celery mandatory for this recipe?
No, the 1/2 cup of chopped celery is listed as an optional ingredient.
What herbs are used to flavor the stew?
The stew is flavored with 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and 1 tablespoon of crushed dried basil.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires one clove of garlic, minced.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade chicken broth for this recipe.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
Potatoes should be peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces, totaling about 1 cup.
What should the heat setting be for bringing the stew to a boil?
You should bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat before reducing it to a simmer.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, covering the saucepan helps the flavors meld and ensures the lentils and vegetables become tender.
What is the recommended way to serve this stew?
It is best enjoyed warm, ideally served with some crusty bread.
Is this dish considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal, making it a convenient option for dinner.
How much carrot is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced chopped carrots.
Does the recipe include onions?
Yes, it requires 1/2 cup of diced onion.
How much pepper should I add?
A dash of pepper is added during the initial mixing phase, and you can adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this lentil stew.
Is there any sugar or cholesterol in this recipe?
According to the nutritional information provided, sugar and cholesterol levels are not specified or are negligible.
Can I substitute chicken broth to make it truly vegetarian?
While the recipe uses chicken broth, you can easily substitute it with vegetable broth to make the dish vegetarian.
What is the texture of the stew after cooking?
After 45 to 50 minutes of simmering, the lentils and vegetables become tender and the stew achieves a hearty consistency.
Is the sodium content listed?
The sodium content is not specifically listed in the provided nutritional data.
Can this recipe be stored for leftovers?
The recipe is designed to serve a family of four precisely to ensure there aren't overwhelming leftovers, though it can be stored and reheated.