Pin it A rustic, heartwarming Spanish-inspired stew combining tender lentils, sweet prunes, and aromatic vegetables for an unexpectedly delicious comfort dish.
This stew has become a family favorite bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 2 cups dry brown or green lentils, rinsed and 6 cups vegetable broth
- Vegetables: 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 medium carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 large potato peeled and diced, 1 bay leaf
- Fruits: 10 dried prunes pitted and halved
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Oils: 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Garnish (optional): Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat Add onion carrots and celery sauté for 5 minutes until softened
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute
- Step 3:
- Add the lentils potato bay leaf paprika cumin and thyme Cook for 1 minute stirring to coat
- Step 4:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil Reduce heat to low cover and simmer for 30 minutes
- Step 5:
- Add the prunes and continue simmering uncovered for another 20 25 minutes or until lentils and potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened
- Step 6:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste Remove bay leaf
- Step 7:
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired Serve hot
Pin it This stew brings the family together especially on chilly evenings creating lasting memories around the table
Required Tools
Large heavy pot or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 290 Total fat 6 g carbohydrates 48 g protein 13 g
Allergen Information
Contains none of the top 8 allergens Check store-bought broth for potential allergens like celery or soy
Pin it This stew is perfect for meal prepping Its flavors deepen beautifully overnight
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of lentils work best for this stew?
Brown or green lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well during simmering and absorb flavors nicely.
- → Can dried prunes be substituted?
Yes, dried apricots or figs can be used, though prunes lend a unique sweetness and depth to the stew.
- → How important is the smoked paprika in this dish?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky warmth that enhances the stew’s complexity without overpowering other ingredients.
- → Is it necessary to soak the lentils before cooking?
Soaking is optional; rinsing lentils thoroughly is sufficient as they cook relatively quickly without soaking.
- → Can this stew be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, flavors deepen after resting overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh chopped parsley adds brightness and a fresh herbal note to balance the hearty flavors.