Discover the best lentil stew recipe! Packed with dried lentils, fresh veggies, flavorful spices, and hearty greens, it's simple, nourishing, and delicious.
STEP 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Cook onions until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add carrots and celery, cook for 2 minutes to soften.
STEP 2: Add 1 tablespoons olive oil and stir in spices. Once sizzling, add garlic, season with salt and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
STEP 3: Pour in vegetable broth, scraping up any brown bits. Add red lentils. Cover and bring to a boil, then simmer until lentils are soft, about 15 minutes.
STEP 4: Stir in diced tomatoes, bring to a boil. Add spinach to wilt. Remove from heat, stir in balsamic vinegar. Season with salt to taste.
NOTES
This recipe is for 6 large servings or 8 normal servings.
To Store. Lentil stew stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days, perfect for weekly meal prep.
To Reheat. If it thickens, thin it with vegetable stock or water before reheating on the stove over medium heat with a lid.
To Freeze. It freezes perfectly for up to 3 months, and even longer if needed.Add the greens when reheating for optimal freshness. You can also freeze it with the greens if preferred.