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Slow-Cooker Lentil Stew

This hearty lentil stew is made by slow-cooking brown lentils with vegetables and aromatic spices, resulting in a velvety, flavorful dish. The process involves sautéing aromatics, then letting the crockpot work its magic over several hours, creating a comforting, rustic stew with a rich aroma and tender texture.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: comfort food, Healthy
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups dry brown lentils rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth homemade or store-bought
  • 2 carrots carrots diced into thick chunks
  • 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes or crushed
  • Optional lemon or vinegar for finishing

Equipment

  • Crockpot
  • Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.
  2. Dice the carrots into thick chunks and finely chop the onion. Prepare your aromatics for sautéing.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the diced carrots to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, just until they start to soften and smell sweet.
  5. Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the crockpot. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the rinsed lentils, cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  6. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the lentils and vegetables are submerged in the broth.
  7. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The house will fill with a warm, earthy aroma as the lentils soften and flavors meld.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, check the stew’s consistency. If too thick, stir in a splash of hot broth or water. If too thin, uncover and cook on high to thicken slightly.
  9. Once the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened to your liking, stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten the flavors.
  10. Turn off the crockpot and let the stew rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and the texture to become even creamier.
  11. Serve the warm, velvety lentil stew in bowls, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this nourishing, simple dish that’s perfect for cozy days.