Stewed Lentils

Lentils are so versatile that they can be made for a hot or cold preparation

This stewed lentil dish can be made vegetarian or paired with a nice sausage or roasted/grilled meat.

This perfect one-pot-meal can also be made ahead of time. One pot meals are super easy and flavorful because all of the ingredients cook and develop together. It’s also great for clean-up!

Feel free to freeze in portions and save for a rainy or chaotic day.

Did you know that lentils are a legume?

They are similar to beans, chickpeas and soybeans. There are different types of lentils, green, brown, red or yellow, and specialty lentils. For this dish use whatever lentils you have in your pantry.

Feel free to swap ingredients for what you have on hand. The only needed items are onion, lentils and seasoning!

As with all of our recipes, measurements are NOT important. We always urge you to taste as you go and use your instincts. You know what you like!

Stewed Lentils Recipe

Servings: 4 people

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils

• 1 beer (optional)

• 1.5 quarts chicken or vegetable stock (water works too!)

• 1 larger onion or leek, chopped

• 5 cloves garlic, chopped (optional)

• 1/2 bunch swiss chard, chopped (can use any firm green - kale, collards, bok choy)

• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

• 1 carrot, diced (optional)

• 1/2 bunch parsley or cilantro (optional)

• 2 bay leaves

• 1 Tbsp paprika

• 1 Tbsp oregano

• olive oil

Instructions

1. Use a soup pot or high walled dutch oven. Heat your pot on high with a bit of oil.

2. Add onion, garlic salt and pepper & sauté in olive oil until tender and slightly brown.

3. Add bell peppers and carrots if using. Season and cook until slightly tender. 2-3 minutes.

4. Add spices, bay leaves and lentils and stir.

5. Add 1 beer and let simmer 3-4 minutes.

6. Add chicken/vegetable stock. If you do not have stock, you can substitute with water. Season as needed.

7. Cook on low to simmer until lentils are just soft. Stir occasionally and tasting.

   (Don’t be afraid to add more liquid as the lentils absorb, if necessary)

8. Once lentils are tender, add chopped swiss chard and herbs. Cook 3-4 minutes to wilt the greens. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Recipe Notes

• Ingredients to prep ahead: EVERYTHING!

• If you are including sausage or meat, this should be cooked in the very beginning BEFORE the onion/garlic step. You can then move onto the next steps.

• Pro Tip: We also love pre-making our lentils ahead and freezing them in portions in the freezer. Just add to a pot to heat up and enjoy!