Hearty Lentil Vegetable Stew for Cozy Fall Meal Prep — nourishing, filling, and full of comfort

Recipe Card: Hearty Lentil Vegetable Stew for Cozy Fall Meal Prep

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes, 14.5 ounces
• 1 large potato, diced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cups chopped kale or spinach
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for serving, optional
• Parmesan for serving, optional

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, potato, vegetable broth, and bay leaf.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
7. Mash a small portion of the lentils and potatoes to thicken the stew.
8. Stir in kale or spinach and cook until wilted.
9. Remove bay leaf, stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve warm.

Notes

For a thicker stew, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or mash more lentils. For a brothier stew, add extra vegetable broth. This recipe is great for meal prep because it keeps well and reheats easily.