Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of comfort? Dive into the rich and hearty world of our Slow Cooker Red Lentil Stew, a vegan delight that not only nourishes your body but also tantalizes your taste buds! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of spices and simmered lentils, ready to be savored. This stew is not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to keep you cozy all season long. Don’t miss out on this delicious recipe that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the red lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or small stones. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables by finely chopping the onion, dicing the carrots and celery into uniform small pieces, and mincing the garlic cloves. This ensures even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- In a large slow cooker, combine the rinsed red lentils, chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic.
- Add the ground spices: cumin, turmeric, and paprika. These spices will provide depth and warmth to the stew. Stir to coat the vegetables and lentils evenly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the entire can of diced tomatoes, including the liquid. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that vegetable broth may already contain salt, so add carefully.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the lentils to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After 6 hours, check the consistency. If the stew is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth. If too thin, let it cook uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The stew should have a rich, warm flavor with soft, creamy lentils.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Can be paired with crusty bread or rice.
Tips
- Rinse Your Lentils: Always rinse the red lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris or stones. This step ensures a clean and smooth stew.
- Chop Uniformly: When preparing your vegetables, aim for uniform sizes. This helps them cook evenly and enhances the overall texture of the stew.
- Layer Flavors: Don’t skip the spices! Cumin, turmeric, and paprika are key to building a deep, warm flavor profile. Make sure to mix them well with the vegetables and lentils.
- Adjust Consistency: After cooking, if your stew is too thick, simply add a bit more vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste your stew before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure a rich, flavorful experience.
- Garnish for Freshness: For an added burst of flavor, consider garnishing your stew with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro right before serving. It brightens up the dish beautifully!
- Perfect Pairing: This stew pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
