Lentil stew is the perfect hearty meal for a chilly day, plus it’s packed with
vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. I especially love this stew after playing
in the snow with my boys. It’s also a great choice for those on a
vegetarian diet, serving as an excellent source of non-meat protein. Make a
large batch and store in the freezer for those cold (and busy) winter
nights. —
INGREDIENTS (Serves 2 adults/2 children)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 carrots, washed, peeled and diced
1 tomato, washed, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, washed and diced
1 small, yellow onion, diced
1 Yukon gold
or russet potato, washed and diced
1 tablespoon fresh, minced sage
1 bay leaf
1 cup of lentils
6 cups of low sodium vegetable stock
2 teaspoons kosher or coarse sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
*Pour olive oil
into a large pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, onion, and
1 teaspoon of the salt. Let veggies
“sweat” for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently. You don’t want them to
brown, just to soften. Add sage and cook for 2 minutes more.
*Add stock,
potato, tomato, lentils and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over high heat and stir. Let
boil for 2 minutes then reduce heat to low, partially cover and simmer for
about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are very tender. Add
more stock to thin the stew or to achieve a more soup like consistency, if
desired. Add remaining teaspoon of salt. Remove bay leaf before serving.
*Let cool
slightly and serve or store.
*Lentil stew can
be stored in an air tight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator and up
to 3 months in the freezer.
A STEW FOR THE WHOLE
FAMILY
This recipe is suitable for babies 7 months and up, toddlers, big
kids and adults. For a baby 7-12
months, puree the stew with an immersion blender, blender or food processor to
a consistency your babe can handle before serving. Thicken with a little baby
cereal, if necessary. For a toddler, serve the stew as you would an adult or
big kid, in a bowl with a pinch of fresh parsley.
-Liza Huber, Author and Founder of Sage Spoonfuls
