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- 1 cup green or brown lentils - 3 medium carrots - 2 ribs celery - 1 large onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 medium zucchini - 1 bell pepper - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - Spices and seasonings - Balsamic vinegar - Fresh parsley for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this rustic lentil vegetable stew. Start with lentils. You can use green or brown ones. They give a hearty base to the stew. Next, grab three medium carrots. Peel and dice them into small pieces. They add a touch of sweetness. Two ribs of celery will add crunch and flavor. Chop them up nicely. A large onion is also essential. Finely chopping it releases a great aroma. Don't forget two cloves of garlic. Mince them for a tasty kick. Now, for the additional ingredients. A medium zucchini adds a nice texture. Pick a bell pepper in any color you like. Dice it up for some vibrant color. You will also need one cup of diced tomatoes. Canned or fresh works just fine. The broth is important. Use four cups of vegetable broth to make it rich. Then, add your favorite spices. Dried thyme, ground cumin, and smoked paprika will work well. Lastly, you can season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper. If you want a little extra flair, balsamic vinegar is a great option. It adds tanginess. Fresh parsley is perfect for garnish. It gives the stew a lovely finish. Now that you have everything ready, you’re set to create a warm and hearty meal! - Rinse lentils thoroughly to remove any dirt. - Chop the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper into small pieces. - Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet. - Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns clear, about five minutes. - Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. - Add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, and rinsed lentils. - Pour in one cup of diced tomatoes and four cups of vegetable broth. - Sprinkle in the dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to mix everything. - Set the slow cooker on low for six to eight hours. - Alternatively, use the high setting for four to five hours. Cook until lentils and veggies are soft. - Once cooking is done, taste your stew and adjust the seasoning if needed. - For a tangy flavor, stir in one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar just before serving. - Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright touch. To make your stew burst with flavor, I suggest using the right spices. The three I love are: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika These spices give depth and warmth. Fresh herbs can also elevate your dish. I like adding fresh parsley at the end. It adds a bright touch and a fresh taste. Avoiding mushy lentils is key. Rinse them well before cooking. This helps remove excess starch. Also, don't overcook them in the slow cooker. Use the low setting for 6-8 hours. This allows the lentils to stay firm. If you’re short on time, choose the high setting for 4-5 hours. Pair your stew with great sides. A crusty bread is perfect. It soaks up the stew's rich broth nicely. You might also enjoy a simple salad. This adds crunch and freshness. Enjoy your meal with family and friends. It's a dish that brings everyone together! {{image_4}} You can swap zucchini and bell pepper with other veggies. Try yellow squash or green beans. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Seasonal vegetables work great too. In fall, add butternut squash or sweet potatoes. In winter, consider root veggies like parsnips or turnips. Each change gives the stew a new taste. You can add meat to this stew for extra protein. Diced chicken or beef works well. Just brown the meat first, then add it to the slow cooker. For plant-based options, consider adding chickpeas or tofu. Both will keep the stew hearty and filling. Want some heat? Add spices like cayenne or red pepper flakes. They bring a warm kick to every bite. Fresh chili peppers also work well. Try jalapeños or serranos for a spicy twist. Just chop them up and mix them in. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. To store leftovers, let the stew cool first. Then, transfer it into containers. I recommend using airtight containers. This keeps the stew fresh and prevents it from drying out. Label the containers with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. To freeze the stew, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This helps avoid spills and mess. When ready to eat, take it out from the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Make sure it's hot all the way through before serving. In the refrigerator, the stew lasts about 3-5 days. Always check for any off smells or changes in color. In the freezer, it can last up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date. This helps you enjoy your stew at its best! Yes, you can use dried lentils. They are great for stews. To prepare them, rinse the lentils under cool water. Soak them for 1-2 hours if you want to speed up cooking. If you don’t soak, just add them to the stew. They will cook well in the slow cooker with the other ingredients. To thicken your stew, try these simple tips: - Mash some lentils: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash a part of the lentils. This adds creaminess. - Add a thickener: Stir in a spoonful of cornstarch mixed with water. This will help bind the stew. - Simmer longer: If you have time, let it cook longer with the lid off. This reduces liquid and thickens the stew. Yes, you can cook this stew on the stove. Here’s how: - Use a pot: Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pot on medium heat. - Add the rest: Then add all the vegetables and lentils with broth. - Simmer: Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Cook for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender. This method gives you a tasty stew in less time! This blog post covered how to make a delicious lentil stew. We looked at key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, storage tips, and fun variations. Now you can make a hearty meal that fits any taste. Share it with friends or store leftovers for later. Enjoy the warming flavors and ease of this dish in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew Slow Cooker

Warm up your evenings with this Hearty Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew that's both delicious and nutritious! Packed with vibrant veggies and protein-rich lentils, this slow cooker recipe is an easy way to enjoy a comforting meal without the fuss. Dive into the rich flavors of thyme, cumin, and smoked paprika while letting your slow cooker do all the work. Click through to discover this cozy recipe and elevate your dinner game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup green or brown lentils, thoroughly rinsed

3 medium carrots, peeled and diced

2 ribs of celery, diced

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

4 cups vegetable broth

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for a touch of tanginess)

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

    Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into a slow cooker.

      Add the diced carrots, diced celery, zucchini, diced bell pepper, and rinsed lentils to the slow cooker.

        Pour in the diced tomatoes along with the vegetable broth, ensuring all ingredients are well integrated.

          Sprinkle in the dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.

            Cover the slow cooker and choose the cooking setting: cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until lentils and vegetables reach a tender consistency.

              Once the cooking time is complete, taste the stew and adjust seasoning as needed. For an added element of flavor, stir in the balsamic vinegar just before serving.

                Serve the stew hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

                  - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 6-8 hours | Serves 6