Prepare to revolutionize your meal planning with the most wallet-friendly and mouth-watering lentil stew that will make your taste buds dance and your wallet sing! In just 40 minutes, you can transform simple, affordable ingredients into a hearty, nutritious dish that proves delicious meals don't have to break the bank. This budget-friendly recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that's packed with protein, flavor, and pure culinary magic.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Budget
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can lentils, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 can of lentils (drained), 1 chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 4 cups of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot or saucepan, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Once the carrots and celery are softened, add the drained lentils to the pot. Stir everything together to ensure the lentils are well mixed with the sautéed vegetables.
- Pour in the 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add the teaspoon of thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to combine all the ingredients.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- After 20 minutes, check the consistency of the dish. If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme according to your preference.
- Once done, remove the pot from the heat. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the lentil stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your insanely delicious budget-friendly dish!
Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables and make sure to sauté them properly to develop a rich, deep taste.
- Don't rush the simmering process - letting the stew cook slowly allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- If you want to add extra depth, consider adding a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika during cooking.
- For a creamier texture, you can partially blend some of the lentils and vegetables.
- This stew freezes excellently, so consider making a larger batch for future quick meals.
- Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for variation in flavor.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth and make the meal even more satisfying.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 129kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
