Erin's Lentil Stew (Vegan)

This recipe is quick, easy, and makes great meal prep for the week! Composed of lentils, vegetables, spices, and really that's it. You can easily customize if you'd like extra vegetables or to change the spices. At it's core, you really just need the lentils, veggie broth, and lots of garlic.

Serve with Rice!

Dietary Restrictions: This recipe is Vegan

Recipe:

Serves: 4-6 Cook Time: 30 min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup carrots
• 2-3 shallots OR 1 large onion
• 2 16 oz cans of cooked lentils
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder or cayenne
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• flour or cornstarch for thickening
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice

Directions:

1. Begin by boiling water for rice. Cook based on package instructions. This can be done in the background while you prep the stew.
2. Chop the vegetables. Carrots should be thinly sliced. Onions should be diced. Baby carrots or whole carrots can be used (1-2 whole carrots, 10-15 baby carrots). Additional root vegetables, like potatoes, can be added to the stew as desired.
3. On low heat, begin roasting the garlic in oil (1-2 minutes). Add in the onions and spices. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
4. Once the onions are fully cooked, add in the root vegetables. Mix well, and cook on low with the lid on. Stir occasionally.
5. Rinse the lentils in a colander, then add to the pot.
6. Add the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat back to medium.
7. Stir occasionally. Add more spices to taste.
8. If a thicker soup is desired, mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with COLD water and then add to the broth. Repeat as desired. Flour can also be used
   • If you do not mix with cold water first, the cornstarch will clump up instead of dissolving.
9. Simmer the soup until the root vegetables are fully cooked. They should fall apart easily when poked with a fork.
10. Serve over rice.

Note: curry powder and cumin can both create a bitter taste if overused. You may add extra to taste, but be careful not to overdo it. If a bitter flavor results, sugar or salt can be used to neutralize.

Also note that if the spices are not flavorful enough, adding salt may do more to bring them out than adding more spice. Be careful not to add too much cumin or curry powder.

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