Save A rich, hearty Spanish-inspired stew that balances earthy lentils, tender vegetables, and sweet prunes for a deeply comforting, surprisingly delicious dish.
I first served this to my family on a cold winter evening and it quickly became a beloved comfort food for all of us.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 2 cups (400 g) dried brown or green lentils rinsed, 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth
- Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large yellow onion diced, 2 medium carrots peeled and diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 4 garlic cloves minced, 1 large potato peeled and diced, 1 bay leaf
- Fruits: 10 pitted prunes halved
- Spices & Seasoning: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp salt plus more to taste, 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Finish: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 8 minutes until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add lentils, potatoes, tomato paste, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Step 4:
- Cover and cook for 25 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add prunes. Cook uncovered for another 20 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils and potatoes are tender and the stew thickens.
- Step 6:
- Stir in red wine vinegar and most of the parsley. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 7:
- Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with remaining parsley.
Pin it Sharing this stew during family dinners creates warm memories and a sense of togetherness that lasts beyond the meal.
Notes
For a meaty version, add diced chorizo or smoked sausage when sautéing vegetables. Prunes add subtle sweetness replace with dried apricots for a twist. Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal. A splash of sherry can deepen flavor.
Required Tools
Large soup pot or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Chefs knife, Cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 320, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 13 g per serving
Pin it This lentil stew is perfect for any season and always satisfies with its rich flavors and comforting texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of lentils work best for this stew?
Brown or green lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking, providing a hearty texture.
- → Can I substitute prunes with another fruit?
Dried apricots make a great alternative, offering a different but complementary sweetness to the stew.
- → How can I make the stew richer in flavor?
Adding diced chorizo or smoked sausage during the vegetable sauté adds a savory depth and smoky undertones.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as the vegetable broth used is confirmed gluten-free, the stew contains no gluten ingredients.
- → What are good serving suggestions with this stew?
Serving with crusty bread or over rice complements the stew and enhances its comforting qualities.