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About the Recipe:
This lentil stew is a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for warming you up on cold winter days. Plus, it’s a great option for meal prep since it stores well and can be easily reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.
As with all of my recipes, I strive to combine seasonal, fresh ingredients in new and exciting ways. This particular stew features a combination of delicious winter vegetables, including green onions, celery, carrots, fennel, and Swiss chard. These ingredients are all in season during the winter months, making them a great choice for this hearty stew.
To add some extra crunch and nutrition, I’ve included toasted walnuts as a garnish. They provide a nutty and satisfying flavor that perfectly complements the earthy taste of the lentils and vegetables. And of course, no stew is complete without some fresh herbs! I recommend topping off this dish with a sprinkle of parsley or thyme for a burst of fresh flavor.
Overall, this lentil stew is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the best flavors of winter. With its satisfying texture, nutritious ingredients, and mouthwatering taste, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
About the Ingredients in this Recipe:
When it comes to sourcing ingredients for this lentil and vegetable stew, it’s all about finding fresh, flavorful ingredients that will make this dish pop. Head to your local farmers’ market or grocery store to pick up the tasty veggies featured in this recipe: celery, carrots, fennel, and Swiss chard. Don’t forget to grab some lentils, either – they add a hearty texture to this stew that’s sure to satisfy – any color of lentil will do! If you’re in a pinch you can make this recipe with chickpeas, black beans, or cannellini beans. For an extra crunch, I add walnuts to sprinkle on top. You can substitute with another nut of your choosing such as almonds, pecans, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds. And as for the herbs and spices, grab whatever you have on hand or whatever you love the most. This stew is all about comfort and flavor, so don’t be afraid to play around with ingredients to make it your own.
One thing I adore about this recipe is that it highlights ingredients that you can easily grow in your own garden. If you’re new to gardening, growing fresh herbs is an excellent way to begin. To discover more about cultivating herbs and the top herbs I recommend for container gardening, be sure to read my blog post: “12 herbs to grow in containers.”
Satisfying Lentil Stew with Spicy Honey Walnuts and Swiss Chard
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
This lentil and vegetable stew is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for chilly winter days. The dish features a flavorful combination of lentils, celery, carrots, fennel, Swiss chard, and green onions, all simmered in a rich broth with a blend of warming spices. Topped off with toasted walnuts and fresh herbs, this stew is both satisfying and delicious. It’s also a great option for meal prep since it stores well and can be easily reheated for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 fennel bulb, trimmed and chopped
- 4 cups Swiss chard leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped and toasted walnuts, for garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Fresh herbs, for garnish such as parsley, cilantro, thyme, rosemary or chives
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils in a colander and remove any debris or stones. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the green onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the green onions are slightly softened.
- Add the chopped celery, carrots, and fennel to the pot and sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add the lentils, water or vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- While the stew is simmering, prepare the spicy honey walnuts. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3-5 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Add the honey and cayenne pepper to the skillet and stir until the walnuts are evenly coated. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Stir in the chopped Swiss chard leaves. Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the chard is wilted.
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with the toasted and roughly chopped walnuts. Top with freshly chopped herbs of your choosing.
- To make the stew heartier, serve with crusty bread, rice or quinoa.
Keywords: lentils, vegetables, stew, winter, nutritious, healthy, green onions, celery, carrots, fennel, swiss chard, walnuts, herbs, meal prep, easy, quick
One of my favorite things about this recipe is the way it blends fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a warm, cozy, and, most importantly, satisfying meal. It’s a great option for busy days when you’re short on time and ingredients.
I’d be thrilled to hear how you make this recipe and any variations or feedback you might have! Please follow me on my social media platforms and sign up for my email list to stay up-to-date on all my seasonal recipes.