Hearty Spiced Lentil and Swiss Chard Stew
This robust lentil and swiss chard stew brings together a medley of vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory spices. With the earthy flavor of lentils and a subtle kick from cayenne pepper, this dish is both comforting and invigorating. It's an ideal choice for a wholesome one-pot meal that can be accompanied by cornbread and jalapeño pepper sauce to enhance its bold flavors. Enjoy the blend of textures and tastes that this nutrient-packed stew offers, perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a warming meal.
6-8 serving(s)
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
1 cup (sorted and rinsed)
swiss chard leaves
1 bunch (rinsed, roughly torn, touch stems removed)
diced tomatoes
16 ounces can
red potatoes
2 (washed, cut in 1-inch cubes)
white onion
1 (chopped)
medium carrots
2 (scrubbed, sliced)
garlic cloves
3 (pressed)
chicken or vegetable broth
5-6 cups
bay leaves
2
fresh thyme
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh marjoram
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh basil
1/4 cup (chopped)
cumin
1 teaspoon
seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
white pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by sorting and rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any debris, then place them into a 5 to 6 quart crockpot.
2
Rinse the swiss chard leaves thoroughly and remove any touch stems. Tear the leaves roughly and add them to the crockpot.
3
Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices, cubed red potatoes, chopped white onion, and sliced carrots to the slow cooker.
4
Press the garlic cloves and add them to the pot, infusing the dish with aromatic flavor.
5
Pour in 5 to 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the ingredients are well covered.
6
Add the bay leaves, fresh thyme, chopped marjoram, and fresh basil for an herbal aroma.
7
Sprinkle in the cumin, seasoning salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper, stirring the contents to mix the spices evenly.
8
Set the crockpot to cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender but not overly soft.
9
Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves and give the stew a good stir. Adjust seasoning to taste.
10
Serve hot with freshly baked cornbread and jalapeño pepper sauce on the side for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Spiced Lentil and Swiss Chard Stew.
How many servings does this stew make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What size crockpot is recommended for this recipe?
A 5 to 6 quart crockpot is recommended.
How long does the stew need to cook on the High setting?
It should cook on the high setting for 4 hours.
How long does the stew need to cook on the Low setting?
It should cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of dried lentils, sorted and rinsed.
How should I prepare the Swiss chard?
Rinse the leaves thoroughly, remove any tough stems, and tear the leaves roughly.
What kind of potatoes are used in this stew?
The recipe uses 2 red potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can use either 5 to 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
Is this stew spicy?
It has a subtle kick from the inclusion of 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
It is best served with freshly baked cornbread and jalapeo pepper sauce.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be pressed.
Do I need to include the juice from the diced tomatoes?
Yes, add the 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juices to the crockpot.
What fresh herbs are included in the stew?
The recipe includes fresh thyme, fresh marjoram, and fresh basil.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, once cooking is complete, you should remove the 2 bay leaves.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 chopped white onion.
How much cumin is added to the stew?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of cumin.
What is the preparation for the carrots?
You should use 2 medium carrots that have been scrubbed and sliced.
How much fresh basil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil.
What provides the salty flavor in this stew?
It uses 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt, or more to taste.
Is white pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper.
How much fresh thyme is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh thyme.
How much fresh marjoram should I add?
Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh marjoram.
What is the primary texture of the finished stew?
The lentils and vegetables should be tender but not overly soft.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is designed as a wholesome one-pot meal made in a slow cooker.
What is the main flavor profile of the dish?
It is a robust and earthy stew with savory spices and a medley of vibrant vegetables.
When should I adjust the seasoning?
Adjust the seasoning to taste after the cooking cycle is complete and the bay leaves are removed.
Can I use any type of broth?
The recipe suggests 5 to 6 cups of either chicken or vegetable broth.
Do I need to soak the lentils overnight?
No, the instructions only specify sorting and rinsing the lentils under cold water.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include lentil soup, swiss chard, spiced stew, one pot meal, vegetable soup, and healthy.