Bosnian Lentil Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) lentils 2 cups (400g) lentils
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 6g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 15g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the lentils thoroughly and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the paprika, cumin, and bay leaves, and cook for another minute to release the flavors.
5. 5.
   Add the lentils and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. 6.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Remove the bay leaves before serving.
8. 8.
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lentils — Make sure to rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or impurities.
• Paprika — Use a good quality paprika for the best flavor. Smoked paprika can also be used to add a smoky element to the stew.
• Bay leaves — Remove the bay leaves before serving as they are not meant to be eaten.

Tips & Tricks

• For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked lentils with a fork or blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
• Serve the Bosnian Lentil Stew with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables in the stew based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make a delicious next-day lunch.

Serving advice

Serve the Bosnian Lentil Stew hot in bowls. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side of rice. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, drizzle a swirl of olive oil on top of the stew and sprinkle some paprika or cumin for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Serve the stew in rustic bowls for a cozy and inviting presentation.