Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew Slow Cooker

$- 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

Warm up with a bowl of Hearty Rustic Lentil Vegetable Stew! This nutritious recipe is packed with lentils and colorful veggies, perfect for a comforting meal any time of year. Discover how simple it is to prepare this delicious stew in your slow cooker with just a few ingredients. Ready to enjoy a wholesome dish that's both filling and flavorful? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!

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Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

3 medium carrots, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

1 large onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

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

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for tanginess)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.

Add in the diced carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, and lentils.

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.

Add the thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For a tangy twist, stir in the balsamic vinegar before serving.

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 6-8 hours | 6 servings