Best Italian Lentil Stew

This Best Italian Lentil Stew recipe is undoubtedly the best for several reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly delicious, nutritious, and satisfying, making it a favorite for everyone. Secondly, it is very simple to prepare, and lastly, it stores excellently in the fridge. So, if you're busy or cooking just for yourself, you can leave it for a few days, and it will taste just as good as the first day.

Lentils, the primary ingredient, are incredibly healthy and nutritious. They offer numerous benefits, including being high in protein, fiber, and iron. The high fiber content aids in bowel movements, promoting gut health. As we all know, protein is crucial for building and repairing muscles, while iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells.

Lentils contain phytochemicals that might offer protection against diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart diseases.

Ensure you soak them overnight to eliminate antinutrients. If you don't consume them regularly, you might experience bloating or gas, which could be due to your gut bacteria not being accustomed to them. This can be adjusted by starting with smaller portions, and soaking will help to some extent.

I made some adjustments to the original recipe from Australian Women’s Weekly. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t regret it!

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Italian lentil stew ingredients

Soak the lentils overnight to eliminate antinutrients and rinse them thoroughly.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 

1 medium onion chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

3 tsp of minced ginger

1 tsp of ground cumin seeds

Depending on how hot you like a type of chili either very mild or hot ones

1 carrot chopped 

1 chopped celery stalk

2 Bay leaves

1 tablespoon of thyme

2/3 of cup green lentil soaked overnight 

1/4 cup of tomato paste

1 Liter (4 cups) of vegetable stock

1 tbsp of lemon juice

Sauté the olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, carrot, and celery for approximately 10 minutes

Incorporate all the remaining ingredients. Bring it to a boil, then let it cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Taste the lentil to determine when it's done. Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker and cook it for 4 hours.

Pair it with bread, breadsticks, or croutons, according to your preference.

Enjoy!

Italian Lentil Stew