🍲 Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew – A Comforting Dinner

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of stew at dinner time, especially when it’s packed with protein-rich lentils, fresh seasonal vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish is a nutritious, one-pot wonder that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

It’s high in protein and fiber while being naturally low in fat — making it a perfect choice for those who want a healthy, balanced dinner that keeps you full without feeling heavy.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It’s Healthy
Green or brown lentils	1 cup	Plant-based protein & fiber
Carrots (diced)	2	Beta-carotene & sweetness
Celery stalks (diced)	2	Crunch & antioxidants
Potato (cubed)	1 large	Energy & comfort
Onion (chopped)	1	Flavor & immunity
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves	Anti-inflammatory
Canned tomatoes	1 can	Lycopene & rich taste
Vegetable broth	4 cups	Flavorful base
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Healthy fats
Bay leaf	1	Aromatic flavor
Fresh thyme or rosemary	1 tsp	Herbal boost
Spinach or kale (optional)	1 cup	Extra nutrients
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Flavor balance

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Method

1. Sauté the aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large pot.

• Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.

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2. Add lentils and potatoes

• Stir in the lentils and cubed potato.

• Mix well to coat with the aromatics.

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3. Build the stew base

• Add canned tomatoes and vegetable broth.

• Stir in bay leaf, thyme/rosemary, salt, and pepper.

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4. Simmer

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.

• Cover and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until lentils and potatoes are tender.

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5. Add greens (optional)

• Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrition.

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6. Serve

• Remove bay leaf.

• Serve hot with whole-grain bread or brown rice on the side.

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🌟 Variations

• Spicy version: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika.

• Mediterranean twist: Add olives and sun-dried tomatoes.

• Protein boost: Add chickpeas or tofu cubes.

• Lighter option: Skip the potatoes and serve with quinoa.

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✅ Health Benefits

Benefit	How This Recipe Helps
Plant-based protein	Lentils keep you full and energized
High in fiber	Aids digestion & gut health
Rich in vitamins	Vegetables provide essential nutrients
Heart-healthy	Olive oil + lentils support heart health
Weight-friendly	Low-calorie but filling

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🕒 Ready in 45 Minutes

This Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew is the kind of meal that warms your body and soul. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s wholesome, budget-friendly, and easy to make in one pot.

💡 Bonus: It tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prep too!