Lentil and Kale Stew (Printable)

Tender lentils and kale simmered with veggies create a comforting, healthy meal packed with flavor.

# List of ingredients:

→ Legumes

01 - 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 4 cups chopped kale, stems removed
10 - 1 medium potato, diced

→ Spices & Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1 bay leaf
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1 teaspoon salt
17 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

→ Finishing

18 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
19 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened.
02 - Add minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Incorporate rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with juices, diced potato, and vegetable broth. Add bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all components.
04 - Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - Stir in chopped kale. Simmer uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until lentils and vegetables are fully tender.
06 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in lemon juice. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste if needed.
07 - Ladle stew into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy enough for weeknights
  • Completely plant-based and adaptable to many diets
  • Hearty yet light and packed with veggies
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better
  • Uses simple pantry staples so you can throw it together anytime
02 -
  • Packed with filling protein from lentils
  • Kale delivers a vitamin hit and slight earthy tang
  • Completely gluten-free and vegan for inclusive dining
03 -
  • Always rinse lentils well before cooking to remove dust or debris. Do not rush the sauté step with onions and carrots since that sets the whole foundation for flavor.
  • I learned early on not to skip fresh lemon juice at the end it absolutely lifts everything up and makes the spices sing.

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