Hearty Winter Lentil Stew with Vegetables
As the temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of lentil stew to nourish both body and soul. This Hearty Winter Lentil Stew combines protein-packed lentils with a medley of colorful vegetables, creating a filling and satisfying dish that is perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with flavor from fresh herbs and a rich, tomato-based broth, this one-dish meal is not only budget-friendly, but also easy to prepare. Enjoy it on its own or with crusty bread for a wholesome winter feast that will warm you from the inside out.
7
Servings
270
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried lentils
2 cups (rinsed and drained)
chicken broth
2 (14.5 ounce) cans (low-sodium preferred)
water
2 cups (filtered)
chopped onion
1 cup (finely chopped)
chopped celery
1 cup (finely chopped)
sliced carrot
1 cup (peeled and sliced)
green bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
minced garlic
3 cloves (fresh, minced)
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
dried parsley
1 teaspoon
rubbed sage
1 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (undrained)
tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) can
tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, combine the rinsed lentils, chicken broth, water, chopped onion, celery, sliced carrot, green bell pepper, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, rubbed sage, and black pepper.
2
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
3
Once boiling, cover the pot, decrease the heat to low, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4
After the lentils are cooked, stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste until well combined.
5
Allow the stew to cook over medium heat for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
6
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or hot sauce as desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
47g
Carbs
16g
Protein
13g
Fiber
3g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Winter Lentil Stew with Vegetables?
It is a protein-packed, budget-friendly one-dish meal featuring lentils, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato-based broth.
How many servings does this lentil stew recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 7 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients include dried lentils, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onions, celery, carrots, and green bell peppers.
How many calories are in one serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 270 calories.
Is this stew high in protein?
Yes, it provides 16 grams of protein per serving, primarily from the lentils.
How much fiber does a serving of this lentil stew provide?
This stew is very high in fiber, offering 13 grams per serving.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, with only 2 grams per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
There are 47 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the lentils before cooking?
The dried lentils should be thoroughly rinsed and drained before being added to the soup pot.
What type of broth is recommended for this stew?
The recipe calls for two 14.5-ounce cans of chicken broth, with low-sodium preferred.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it strictly vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
What vegetables need to be chopped or sliced?
You will need 1 cup each of finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, and peeled and sliced carrots, along with one large chopped green bell pepper.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cloves of fresh minced garlic.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, dried parsley, and rubbed sage.
How long should the lentils simmer?
The lentils should simmer for about 30 minutes or until they are tender.
When do I add the tomato products?
The diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste should be stirred in after the lentils have finished simmering and are tender.
How long do I cook the stew after adding the tomatoes?
Cook the stew for an additional 10 minutes over medium heat until everything is thoroughly heated through.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the stew?
Yes, you can add hot sauce to taste before serving to give it some extra heat.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, everything is combined and cooked in a single large soup pot.
What is the serving suggestion for this stew?
It can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread for a complete winter feast.
How much water is needed in addition to the broth?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of filtered water.
What kind of sage should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 teaspoon of rubbed sage.
Do I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should use the 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained.
What size of tomato paste is required?
You will need one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
Is there added sugar in this stew?
There is no added refined sugar, though there are 3 grams of natural sugar per serving from the vegetables and tomatoes.
What temperature should I use to bring the mixture to a boil?
Place the pot over medium-high heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil initially.
Should the pot be covered during simmering?
Yes, once it reaches a boil, cover the pot and decrease the heat to low for the 30-minute simmer.
How many grams of fat are in this recipe?
This recipe is low-fat, containing only 2 grams of fat per serving.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Common tags include healthy, winter, budget-friendly, comfort food, and one-pot meal.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, but remember the general rule: use three times the amount of fresh herbs when a recipe calls for dried herbs.