Italian Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) dried lentils 2 cups (400g) dried lentils
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 52g, 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. 3.
   Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
4. 4.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender.
5. 5.
   Remove the bay leaf and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. 6.
   Serve the Italian Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Diced tomatoes — Opt for canned diced tomatoes for convenience, but you can also use fresh tomatoes if preferred. If using fresh tomatoes, peel and dice them before adding to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the stew while it simmers.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can partially blend the stew using an immersion blender before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Italian Lentil Stew as a main course, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. It pairs well with a fresh green salad on the side.

Presentation advice

Garnish the stew with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color. Serve it in rustic bowls or deep plates to showcase the hearty nature of the dish.