Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of dried lentils
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the lentils in a colander and set aside.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the carrots and potatoes and sauté for another 5 minutes.
5. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper and stir to combine.
6. Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and lentils to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are tender.
8. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 246
Total fat: 5g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1072mg
Total carbohydrates: 41g
Dietary fiber: 16g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes.
- You can use canned lentils instead of dried lentils.
Variations:
- Add some chopped kale or spinach to the stew for extra nutrition.
- Use different spices such as curry powder or chili powder for a different flavor.
- Add some cooked chicken or beef to the stew for extra protein.
Tips and Tricks:
- Rinse the lentils before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.
- You can soak the lentils overnight to reduce the cooking time.
- Add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the stew in a pot over medium heat until it's heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the stew in individual bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Pairings:
- Serve the stew with a side salad or some crusty bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Green salad
- Crusty bread
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the stew is too thick, add more broth or water.
- If the stew is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the lentils are cooked thoroughly before serving.
- Store the leftover stew in the refrigerator or freezer promptly.
Food History:
- Lentil stew is a traditional dish in many cultures around the world, including the Middle East, India, and Europe.
Flavor Profiles:
- This stew has a savory, slightly smoky flavor from the spices and the smoked paprika.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the stew as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Bulgarian
Taste: Savory, Earthy, Nutty, Hearty, Comforting