Smoky Red Lentil Stew

By Chez_Alexander

Ingredients

• 3 3 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 2 2 large carrots, small dice
• 1 1 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 2 2 2 stalks celery, small dice
• 3 3 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 1 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 2 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 1/4 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/4 1 1/4 1/4 cups red lentils, rinsed
• 4 4 4 cups vegetable stock
• to salt & ground black pepper, to taste
• Greek-style yogurt, chopped herbs (cilantro or parsley), and fresh lemon juice for serving

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

!. In a large pot or deep braiser, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, and celery. Stir and saute until the onion is translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

2. Add the garlic to the pot and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and lentils. Give everything a big stir.

3. Add the vegetable stock, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir and bring the stew up to a simmer. Cover the pot halfway with a lid and let the stew simmer for about 7-10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness of the lentils (longer time = creamier texture).

Serve the stew hot with greek-style yogurt, chopped fresh herbs, and extra lemon.

Makes 4 servings.