Lentil Stew with Dried Mushrooms
This hearty stew is super simple and easy to make, delicious and perfect for lunch or dinner during the cold winter months. This recipe makes 4-5 servings, this way you can store any leftovers inside your fridge and use them up during the week - great way to nourish your body with home cooked meals and save time!
This recipe is completely plant-based which means it’s vegan friendly, rich in fibre and contains all essential macronutrients. I decided to use mushrooms as meat alternatives offering a very unique flavor and texture, the overall consistency and richness of the dish was just perfect. Let me know if you give this recipe a go this winter and don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations!
Ingredients
1 cup of black lentils, rinsed
2 handfuls dried mushrooms
2tbsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, mined
1 green pepper, chopped
1 can chopped tomatoes
3 carrots, cut into thick slices
3-4 sundried tomatoes, chopped
1tsp tomato paste
1tbsp grated ginger
1tsp cumin
1tbsp smoked paprika
1tsp dried oregano
3 cups of water
salt and pepper
Method
Soak the lentils for 1 hour (this is completely down to personal preference since compared to other legumes, lentils don’t necessarily need to be soaked) and rinse well
Rehydrate the mushrooms by placing them in a bowl and covering them with hot water for about 20-30 minutes
Heat up the olive oil in a large saucepan and add the onion, green pepper and minced garlic, cook for 6 minutes at medium heat until the onion turn translucent
Add the spices, sun-dried tomato, tomato paste and grated ginger and cook for an extra 3 minutes. Add the rinsed lentils and combine well with all the ingredients. Then, add the mushrooms (including the water used for rehydrating), chopped tomatoes and carrots slices.
After all ingredients have been properly combined, add the water, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Cover it up and let it simmer at medium heat for 4o minutes, until lentils and carrots are tender.
Enjoy on its own with a drizzle of tahini or served with a side of rice.