Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
– 1 medium organic onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves organic garlic, minced
– 2 organic carrots, diced
– 2 organic celery stalks, diced
– 1 organic red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 cup organic green or brown lentils, rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) organic diced tomatoes
– 6 cups organic vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon organic dried basil
– 1 teaspoon organic dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon organic dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon organic smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon organic red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 fresh organic jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
– 2 cups organic fresh spinach or kale, chopped
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons organic fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- **Prepare the Base:**
– In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they become translucent, about 5 minutes.
- **Add Vegetables:**
– Add the diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- **Add Lentils and Broth:**
– Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- **Add Spices:**
– Add the dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and fresh jalapeño (if using). Stir well to combine.
- **Simmer the Stew:**
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the lentils and vegetables are tender, about 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- **Add Greens:**
– About 5 minutes before the stew is done, stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Continue to simmer until the greens are wilted and tender.
- **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove the stew from heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
**Serving Suggestion:**
– Serve this fiery lentil vegetable stew with a side of crusty whole grain bread for a complete, nutritious plant-based meal.
We’d love to hear your thoughts!
– How did your dish turn out?
– Did you make any modifications?
– What did you serve it with?
– Any other tips or suggestions?
Comments:
**SpiceHunter:** This stew is fantastic! I added extra smoked paprika for a deeper flavor. Loved it!
**VeggieChef:** Delicious and spicy! I served it with a side of quinoa and it was perfect.
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Enjoy your Fiery Lentil Vegetable Stew and let the heat warm you up from the inside out!