Spiced Lentil and Spinach Stew (Printable)
A comforting, protein-rich stew featuring spiced lentils, vibrant spinach, and bright lemon. Perfect for a wholesome meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Lentils & Legumes
01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium carrot, diced
06 - 1 celery stalk, diced
07 - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
08 - 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
→ Liquids
09 - 4 cups vegetable broth
10 - 1 cup water
11 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon
→ Spices & Seasonings
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
13 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
14 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
17 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
18 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
19 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Garnish
20 - Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
21 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper (if desired for heat). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
03 - Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
04 - Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
05 - Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer uncovered for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the spinach has wilted.
06 - Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Ladle the hot stew into serving bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley and a wedge of lemon.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's a one-pot wonder that delivers incredible flavor without fuss.
- You'll feel nourished and satisfied, thanks to the hearty lentils and vibrant greens.
02 -
- I once skimped on the lemon zest, thinking the juice was enough, and the stew felt a bit flat; don't skip the zest for that vibrant, aromatic lift!
- To get a truly creamy texture without adding cream, a little trick I learned is to mash a spoonful or two of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot just before adding the spinach.
03 -
- Always taste your broth before adding the lentils to ensure it's well-seasoned; this ensures the lentils absorb seasoned liquid as they cook.
- Don't overcook the spinach; it wilts quickly, and you want it just tender, not mushy, to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.