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- 1 cup lentils (green or brown) - 3 medium carrots - 2 ribs celery - 1 large onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 medium zucchini - 1 bell pepper - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil I love using lentils for this stew. They give a great texture and flavor. You can choose green or brown lentils. They both work well. Carrots add sweetness and color. Celery brings a nice crunch and fresh taste. I chop the onion and mince the garlic for a strong base flavor. Zucchini and bell pepper add even more taste and texture. Diced tomatoes make the stew juicy. Vegetable broth is key for depth. The spices, like thyme and cumin, create warmth. Smoked paprika adds a smoky twist. Don't forget the salt and pepper to make every bite pop. - Balsamic vinegar - Fresh parsley for garnish For a little zing, I love adding balsamic vinegar. It gives the stew a nice tang. Fresh parsley on top makes the dish look pretty and adds freshness. Each ingredient plays a role. They work together to create a tasty and hearty stew. Enjoy these fresh flavors in every spoonful! * How do I sauté onion and garlic? Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them over medium heat for about 5 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. This step builds a lovely base for your stew. * What do I do after sautéing? Once the onion and garlic are ready, transfer the mix to your slow cooker. This sets the stage for the rest of your dish. * How do I add vegetables and lentils? In the slow cooker, add the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, and 1 cup of rinsed lentils. Layer them well to ensure even cooking. * What about the broth and seasoning? Pour in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Then, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to mix the flavors. * How do I choose between low and high settings? You can cook your stew on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The low setting gives a deeper flavor, while the high setting is quicker for busy days. * How do I know when it’s done? Check the lentils and vegetables for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, taste and adjust the seasoning. For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar before serving. Enjoy your hearty stew! To enhance flavors in your stew, I often start with sautéing the onion and garlic. This step builds a solid base. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or basil near the end for a burst of flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste as you go. I recommend tasting after it cooks for a few hours. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it slowly and stir. You can also mix in balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. For slow cooking, I suggest using low settings for a longer time. This method helps the flavors blend well. Cooking on low for 6-8 hours works best for lentils and veggies. If you’re short on time, you can use the high setting for 4-5 hours. Keep an eye on it! The key is to ensure your lentils and vegetables are tender before serving. When it comes to sides, crusty bread pairs nicely with this stew. A simple green salad also works well. For serving, ladle the stew into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. This adds color and flavor. If you have guests, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil on top for an extra touch. {{image_2}} You can change up the vegetables to suit your taste. Try adding: - Sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness - Spinach for a boost of nutrients - Green beans for added crunch If you don’t have lentils, you can use other legumes. Black beans or chickpeas work great. They add protein and a different texture. To spice things up, add heat with spices. Consider: - A pinch of cayenne for heat - Crushed red pepper flakes for a kick Using different herbs can also change the stew's taste. Try: - Fresh basil for a sweet twist - Oregano for a robust flavor This stew is easy to adapt for different diets. For a gluten-free option, ensure your broth is gluten-free. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. If you want it vegan or vegetarian, this recipe is perfect as is. Just avoid adding any meat or animal products. You can enjoy a hearty and healthy meal easily! To keep your Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent any odors from other foods. Let the stew cool down before sealing it. You can store it for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the stew. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top to allow for expansion. You can enjoy it for up to three months when frozen. When reheating your stew, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, heat it in a pot over medium heat. Stir it often for even warming. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To keep the flavor rich, add a splash of vegetable broth or water if it feels thick. This will help revive the taste and texture. In the fridge, your stew lasts about five days. If you see any signs of spoilage, throw it away. Spoilage signs include a sour smell or a change in color. In the freezer, it can last for three months. Always label your containers with the date for easy tracking. Yes, you can use dried lentils. They need more time to cook. Rinse them well first. Add them to the slow cooker with the vegetables. Dried lentils will take about 6-8 hours on low heat to become tender. Canned lentils are already cooked, so they only need about 4-5 hours. You can tell the stew is done when the lentils and veggies are tender. Check the lentils. They should be soft but not mushy. You can also taste a piece of carrot or zucchini. If they are fork-tender, your stew is ready! Yes, this stew is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two in advance. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for about 4-5 days. You can also freeze it. Just portion it out before freezing for easy meals later. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You now have all you need to make a great rustic lentil vegetable stew. From the key ingredients to the cooking process and tips for storage, your adventure in creating this dish is straightforward. Remember, you can customize it with different veggies or flavors to match your taste. I find cooking fun and rewarding, especially with a recipe like this. Enjoy your stew, and don’t forget to share your creations with others!

Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew Slow Cooker Delight

Welcome to your new favorite slow cooker recipe! My Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew is hearty, healthy, and full of flavor. With just a few…

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Garlic Herb Roasted Rainbow Carrots Delightful Dish

Are you ready to transform simple carrots into a colorful, tasty dish? In my latest recipe, I’ll show you how to make Garlic Herb…

For this dish, you will need: - 1 pound rainbow carrots (yellow, orange, and purple), peeled and cut into uniform sticks - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients give the carrots a bright color and rich flavor. The garlic adds a nice punch, while the herbs bring warmth and depth. You can make this dish even more special with some extras: - A pinch of cayenne for heat - Lemon juice for brightness - Fresh herbs like dill or basil for fresh notes Garnishing with fresh chopped parsley adds color and a fresh taste. Feel free to mix and match based on your tastes! Rainbow carrots are colorful and full of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties and heart health benefits. Olive oil contains healthy fats that can lower bad cholesterol. Thyme and rosemary add antioxidants, making this dish not only tasty but healthy too! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by washing your rainbow carrots well. This step keeps them clean. Peel the carrots to remove the outer layer. After peeling, cut them into uniform sticks. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches long. This size helps them cook evenly. Next, take four cloves of garlic. Mince the garlic finely to release its strong flavor. Set both the carrots and garlic aside for later use. In a large bowl, add the cut carrots. Then, toss in the minced garlic. Pour in three tablespoons of olive oil. Olive oil helps the carrots roast well and adds taste. Now, add one teaspoon of dried thyme and one teaspoon of dried rosemary. These herbs bring out the best in the carrots. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well until the carrots are fully coated. A good mix ensures every bite is full of flavor. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned carrots evenly on a baking sheet. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup. This layer helps the carrots not stick. Roast the carrots for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, toss them gently. This step helps them cook evenly. Look for a tender texture with a nice caramel color. Once done, take them out of the oven. Let them cool slightly, then move them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get the best roast on your carrots, choose uniform sticks. They should be about the same size. This helps them cook evenly. Use high heat, around 425°F (220°C). This heat caramelizes the sugars in the carrots. Toss them halfway through cooking for great results. You want them tender but not mushy. Roasting for 25-30 minutes works well. If you don't have garlic, try onion powder or shallots. Each gives a nice flavor. For herbs, fresh thyme or rosemary works if you prefer fresh over dried. You can also use other herbs like dill or basil. These swaps keep the dish tasty and unique. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste! To ensure even cooking, spread the carrots in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan. If they touch too much, they will steam instead of roast. Keep an eye on them as they cook. If they start to brown on one side, give them a quick toss. This helps each piece get that lovely golden color. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Carrots: Look for firm, smooth carrots with vibrant colors for the best flavor and texture. Cut Uniformly: Ensure all carrot sticks are of similar size for even cooking and consistent tenderness. Don't Skip the Toss: Toss the carrots halfway through roasting to achieve an even caramelization and prevent burning. Garnish Wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh burst of flavor, enhancing the dish's presentation. {{image_2}} You can make garlic herb roasted rainbow carrots even more fun. Try adding herbs like basil or dill. These can brighten the dish with fresh flavors. You can also use spices like cumin or paprika. They add warmth and depth. Just remember to start small. You can always add more if you like. While olive oil is my favorite, other oils work well too. You can use avocado oil for a nutty taste. Flaxseed oil adds a unique flavor and is healthy. Each oil can change the dish's flavor profile. Experiment to find what you like best. Rainbow carrots shine alone, but they pair well with others. Try adding parsnips for sweetness. You can mix in bell peppers for color and crunch. Sweet potatoes add heartiness and depth. These combinations create a colorful and tasty side dish. Roasting mixed veggies together will enhance the flavors even more. After enjoying your garlic herb roasted rainbow carrots, you might have some left. To store them, let the carrots cool to room temperature. Next, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh. Store the container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key for flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the carrots on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps them regain their crispness. You can also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry. Place the carrots in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. If you want to save your roasted carrots for longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. This prevents them from sticking together. After they are frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use regular carrots. Rainbow carrots add color and flair to your dish. However, regular orange carrots will still taste great. The cooking time remains the same. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. These roasted carrots pair well with many dishes. They complement roasted chicken or fish nicely. You can also serve them with grains like quinoa or rice. For a hearty meal, try them alongside a warm lentil salad. The flavors balance well with many main courses. Roasted carrots last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. To enjoy the best taste, eat them within this time. Reheat them in the oven or a skillet for the best results. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy. This blog post covered everything you need for roasted rainbow carrots. You learned the best ingredient measurements, health benefits, and optional seasonings. I walked you through each step, from prepping to roasting. You also found tips for success, variations, and storage info. Remember, these carrots are not just tasty; they offer great health benefits too. With these easy recipes and tricks, you can make delicious roasted rainbow carrots anytime. Enjoy trying new flavors and sharing with others!