Vegan Lentil Stew

If there’s one thing that I absolutely love about Winter it would be warming nourishing evening meals. I find it so comforting to have a belly full of good, nutritious, warm food in the midst of a Winter’s eve. It’s such a good way to get the body temperature up 🙂 It’s kinda like cardio for your gut (lol). Get’s it all nice and warm, without the crunches. This Vegan Lentil Stew most certainly will warm you up.

Along with being incredibly nutritious, this dish is also super satisfying, leaving you feeling somewhat complete. It’s the kind of dish that leaves your palette on a high of flavor. Knowing that you really want just a tiny bit more, but knowing that you probably shouldn’t! 

This recipe should surely be a staple in all kitchens during winter. It’d be a great Meat Free Monday option, and it’s also great for using up all the bits and bobs left over, before the weekly haul of fresh produce. It’s ridiculously easy, and really affordable, plus it can go along way if you’re feeding a truck load of hungry tums.

The thing I love about my recipes, is that they’re so versatile. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, replace them with another vegetable that tickles your fancy. It’s not going to hinder the dish in any way. You might not taste the mushroom, but your replacement vegetable will fill the spot. The options are endless. If you’re in the mood for a chunkier stew, add some quinoa for fun. It’ll boost the protein, add a bit more texture, and stretch it further. So you see, you can adjust according to your own tastes, which is great! I tend to use what I have at the time, and it always works out great!

I love lentils! Green lentil sprouts have to be one of my favorite salad toppings. For this recipe, however, I used canned Lentils from Chantal Organics. Chantal Organics has great products, and I often reach for them in store. For this recipe I also used the Italian chopped tomatoes, as well as the tomato paste.

” Organic relates to foods (both human and animal) and other products (such as cotton) that are produced from the soil, using methods that:

• do not involve modern synthetic inputs such as synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers,
• do not contain genetically modified organisms, and
• are not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or chemical food additives.

Organic, however, is more than just what we don’t do to the food or land. It is about what we do do and how that has a positive impact on everything. Organic farming begins with the soil and works to sustain and enhance the health of soil, plants, animals, humans and the planet. By treating the soil right we allow the soil the opportunity to be healthy. This means providing the right nutrients in the right ratios and forms; not compacting or over-tilling and thereby destroying the soil structure; ensuring good organic matter levels, healthy microbe populations and even allowing the soil to rest and rejuvenate. “

“At Chantal’s, the meaning of Organic is encapsulated by the word Stewardship. To be a good steward means to take care of and improve that which you are entrusted. To us that means how we farm, trade and care for both humans and the environment.”

Source: Chantal Organics Site

Great products from a great company doing great things to ensure the best possible outcome for humans and the environment! Now that’s a company I’d continue to support 🙂

Lentils are crammed with goodness, they’re low in calories, and high in nutrition! It’s simply a win win situation with these little gems. As they contain high levels of soluble fiber, lentils can help to lower blood cholesterol, reducing your risk of heart disease and keeping your arteries squeaky clean. The insoluble dietary fiber found in lentils also helps prevent constipation and other digestive disorders such as IBS. In addition this fiber can help stabalize blood sugar, aid in weight loss and increase energy supplies. 

Of all legumes and nuts, lentils contain the third-highest levels of protein, making them a great source of protein for vegetarian and vegan diets. So much goodness!!! Yum Yum Yum 🙂

The great thing too about this recipe is the added sweetness of the freshly squeezed orange juice. It really just ties all the flavors together, and compliments the tartness of the tomato. Perfectly balanced 🙂

Vegan Lentil Stew

2015-07-06 01:12:09

Serves 2

A delicious and affordable dish that is full of nutritious goodness. A perfect Meatless Monday option.

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Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

35 min

Total Time

50 min

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

35 min

Total Time

50 min

Ingredients

1. 1 Tin Lentils (Organic) (Rinsed well)
2. 1/2 Tin Chopped Tomatoes (Organic)
3. 2 TBS Tomato Paste (Organic)
4. 2 Medium Carrots (Diced)
5. 2 Cups Mushrooms (Chopped)
6. 2 Inch Knob Fresh Ginger (Grated)
7. 2 Inch Know Fresh Turmeric (Grated)
8. 2 Cloves Garlic (Finely Chopped)
9. 1 Vegetable Stock Cube (Organic - low sodium)
10. Juice from 1/2 Fresh Orange
11. 1 Tsp Coconut Oil for Cooking
12. Salad to serve

Instructions

1. In a medium pot, lightly saute the garlic, ginger and turmeric in the coconut oil.
2. Add the chopped mushroom and carrots, and allow to cook.
3. In a mug place the vegetable stock cube with about 3 TBS boiled water to soften. Add to the pot.
4. Allow everything to simmer and reduce down. When the mushrooms are cooked and the carrots have softened, add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. If the mixture is a little thick, just gradually add a little water.
5. Add the lentils and the juice from 1/2 an orange and allow to simmer for approx 20-25 mins, until everything is cooked.

Notes

1. You can serve this dish with warm brown rice, or add some quinoa while cooking for added chunkiness.

By Wellness with Taryn

Wellness with Taryn https://wellnesswithtaryn.com/

Hope you enjoy 🙂 Remember to head on over and check out my Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest pages 🙂