Best 6 Simple Stewed Lentils Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to savor the delectable simplicity of stewed lentils, a dish brimming with earthy flavors and wholesome goodness. Lentils, tiny legumes packed with nutritional value, transform into a hearty and comforting stew, perfect for cozy dinners or quick and easy weekday meals. This versatile dish can be tailored to suit your taste preferences, with options ranging from classic stews simmering with aromatic spices to vibrant Mediterranean-inspired variations bursting with fresh herbs and tangy accents.

In this collection of recipes, we present a symphony of stewed lentil dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body. From the comforting embrace of a traditional Indian dal, where lentils dance in a harmonious blend of spices, to the zesty allure of a Moroccan lentil stew, where cumin and paprika create a vibrant tapestry of flavors, each recipe offers a unique culinary adventure. Explore the depths of flavor in a hearty lentil and sausage stew, where the smokiness of sausage melds seamlessly with the earthy essence of lentils, or discover the vibrant fusion of a lentil and sweet potato curry, where the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the savory lentils in a symphony of flavors.

Whether you seek a comforting bowl of goodness on a chilly evening or a quick and nutritious meal to fuel your busy lifestyle, these stewed lentil recipes are sure to satisfy. With their ease of preparation and endless variations, they promise to become staples in your culinary repertoire, offering both culinary delight and the satisfaction of nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Let's cook with our recipes!

STEWED LENTILS



Stewed Lentils image

Serve this unique side of stewed lentils with our Sausage with Sauteed Red Onions and Thyme.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 stalk celery, sliced on diagonal, 1/4 inch think
2 carrots, peeled and sliced on diagonal, 1/4 inch thick
1 shallot, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 fresh bay leaf
1 1/2 cups uncooked lentils
Two 14 1/2-ounce cans low-sodium or homemade chicken stock
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place medium saucepan over medium heat, and add the olive oil. When hot, add celery, carrots, and shallot, and saute until the chopped shallot is translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic, bay leaf, and lentils, and stir to combine. Add the chicken stock, increase heat to high, and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, simmer for 20 minutes, and add the rosemary. Continue cooking until the lentils are tender, about 10 minutes more. Stir in the salt, pepper, and scallions. Remove the rosemary sprig and bay leaf before serving.

STEWED LENTILS AND TOMATOES



Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 teaspoons good olive oil
2 cups large-diced yellow onions (2 onions)
2 cups large-diced carrots (3 to 4 carrots)
1 cup chopped fennel
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
1 cup French green lentils (7 ounces)
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 teaspoons mild curry powder
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon good red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Add the onions, carrots and fennel and cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, until the onions start to brown. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Meanwhile, rinse and pick over the lentils to make sure there are no stones in the package.
  • Add the tomatoes, lentils, chicken stock, curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pan. Raise the heat to bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Check occasionally to be sure the liquid is still simmering. Remove from the heat and allow the lentils to sit covered for another 10 minutes. Add the vinegar, season to taste, and serve hot.

STEWED LENTILS WITH CABBAGE



Stewed Lentils with Cabbage image

This humble and hearty combination makes a satisfying main dish, especially on a cold night. Lentils are an excellent source of folate and molybdenum, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, and manganese. Any type will work here.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Time 1h30m

Yield Serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, half of it chopped, half sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound lentils (brown, green, or beluga), rinsed and picked over
3 1/2 cups water (more as needed)
1 dried red chile
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
6 ounces waxy potatoes, scrubbed and sliced about 1/2 inch thick
1 1/2 pounds green cabbage (1 medium head), cored and cut crosswise in 3/4-inch wide ribbons
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
Freshly grated Parmesan for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan or casserole over medium heat. Add the chopped half of the onion and cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 2 of the garlic cloves and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the lentils, water, chile, and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the potatoes and continue to simmer gently for 30 minutes, until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Add more salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • While the lentils are simmering, cook the cabbage with the remaining onion and garlic in a wide lidded skillet. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the sliced onion. Cook, stirring often, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the garlic and stir together until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cabbage and turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring, until the cabbage begins to wilt. Add 1/4 cup water, turn the heat down to medium, cover and simmer 10 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and sweet, stirring from time to time. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
  • Spread the cabbage over the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Top with the lentils and potatoes. Sprinkle on the parsley, and serve in wide soup bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 243, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 1 gram, Sodium 886 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

SIMPLE STEWED LENTILS



Simple Stewed Lentils image

Stuff these simple stewed lentils into a pita with some fresh tomato and Greek yogurt for an energy-boosting lunch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Appetizers

Yield Makes 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup dried French green lentils
1 finely chopped shallot
1 clove chopped garlic
1 bay leaf
Salt and ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, bring to a boil lentils, shallot, garlic, bay leaf, and enough water to cover ingredients by 2 inches (about 5 cups). Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are tender, about 20 minutes. Drain liquid and return lentils to pan. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in vinegar and olive oil.

LENTIL STEW



Lentil Stew image

This hearty stew is a favorite with our family, along with a basket of homemade breadsticks. Since lentils don't require the long soaking time that dried beans do, you can begin making this dish just an hour before supper-not the night before!-Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
2-1/2 cups water
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
2 medium carrots, sliced
2 cups tomato juice
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring the lentils, water and bouillon to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. , Stir in the remaining ingredients. Return to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes longer or until lentils and vegetables are tender.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 200 calories, Fat 4g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 628mg sodium, Carbohydrate 26g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 11g fiber), Protein 17g protein.

EASY LENTIL STEW



Easy Lentil Stew image

This is a yummy Lentil Stew made with mostly what is in your pantry. It is only four servings so you won't have tons left over. Simple but delicious!

Provided by Mimi in Maine

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup dry lentils
3 1/2 cups chicken broth (I use College Inn)
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can of peeled Italian tomatoes (cut up)
1 cup peeled chopped potato
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery (optional)
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil (crushed)
1 garlic clove (minced)
1 dash pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse and drain the dry lentils.
  • In a saucepan combine the lentils, chicken broth, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, celery, parsley, basil, garlic, and pepper.
  • Simmer for 45-50 minutes untils lentils and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.1, Fat 2.1, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 677.8, Carbohydrate 44.3, Fiber 17.8, Sugar 6.2, Protein 19

Tips:

  • Use a variety of lentils. Different lentils have different flavors and textures, so using a mix can add depth and complexity to your stew. For example, you could use a combination of brown lentils, green lentils, and red lentils.
  • Soak the lentils before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but the lentils will take longer to cook.
  • Sauté the vegetables before adding the lentils. This will help them caramelize and develop more flavor.
  • Use a variety of spices and herbs. This will add depth and flavor to your stew. Some good options include cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and bay leaves.
  • Let the stew simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the flavors to develop and the lentils to become tender.
  • Serve the stew with your favorite sides. Some good options include rice, bread, or vegetables.

Conclusion:

Stewed lentils are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. They're also a great source of protein, fiber, and iron. With so many different ways to make them, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love.

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