East West Lentil Stew

As the winter chill settles in, there’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm bowl of East West Lentil Stew. I remember the first time I tried this dish; it was a cozy evening at home, and the aroma of spices wafted through the air, instantly warming my heart. This hearty stew brings together a delightful blend of flavors, combining the warmth of the East with the comfort of the West. It became a staple in my kitchen, especially on those long, cold nights when all I wanted was something nourishing and delicious. The combination of lentils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices creates a comforting dish that not only fills your belly but also soothes your soul. Each bite is a reminder of the joy that home-cooked meals can bring, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

What to Gather for East West Lentil Stew

When it comes to the ingredients for East West Lentil Stew, the beauty lies in their simplicity and nourishment. Each component offers a unique flavor, coming together to create a deliciously hearty meal. You’ll find that these ingredients work in harmony, providing warmth and depth to the dish, while also ensuring it’s packed with nutrients.

• 2 tbsp olive oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables, enhancing their flavor.
• 1 small onion, diced: The base of flavor, onions provide sweetness and depth, transforming under heat into a fragrant addition.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a punch of flavor and aroma, elevating the overall taste of the stew.
• 1/4 lb Mexican chorizo: This spicy sausage adds a savory and slightly smoky depth to the dish, infusing it with rich flavors.
• 2 cups butternut squash, diced: Sweet and nutty, butternut squash adds a delightful texture and natural sweetness, complementing the spices.
• 1 stalk celery, diced: Celery contributes crunch and a subtle earthiness, making it a perfect addition to hearty stews.
• 1 cup dried lentils: The star of the dish, lentils are nutritious and filling, providing protein and fiber for a healthy meal.
• 3 cups good chicken broth: Using high-quality broth enhances the stew’s flavor, ensuring it’s rich and satisfying.
• 1 bay leaf: A simple addition that infuses the stew with a complex, aromatic backdrop.
• 1 tsp curry powder: This spice blend adds warmth and an exotic flair, tying the ingredients together beautifully.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, salt and pepper elevate the flavors and balance the dish.
• 1 cup Swiss chard, thinly sliced: A nutritional powerhouse, Swiss chard adds vibrant color and a slight bitterness that balances the sweetness.

Recipe Directions for East West Lentil Stew

Making this East West Lentil Stew is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to create a comforting meal that your whole family will love. Pay attention to the colors and textures as you go, and embrace the rich aromas filling your kitchen.

1. In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sweet aroma of the onions as they soften.
2. Add the chorizo to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown the chorizo for about 5 minutes until it’s cooked through and begins to release its flavorful oils. The color should deepen, and you’ll be able to smell the spices.
3. Next, stir in the butternut squash and celery. Sauté these vegetables for another 2 minutes. Watch as they infuse the pot with their vibrant colors.
4. Add the lentils, chicken broth, bay leaf, curry powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The mixture should look hearty and rich.
5. Bring the stew to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. After about 20 minutes, check the lentils and vegetables. They should be soft and cooked through, creating a lovely thick stew.
6. Once everything is tender, add the Swiss chard to the pot. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring gently. The chard will wilt but still retain its vibrant green color.
7. Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf. Give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The flavors will be bold and comforting, inviting you to dig in.
8. Serve the East West Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

This East West Lentil Stew is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are some tips for tweaking the recipe:

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• Freezing: You can freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Pairing: This stew pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of feta for added creaminess.
• Vegan option: To make this stew vegan, omit the chorizo and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more beans for protein.
• Spice it up: If you enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

What Goes Well With This East West Lentil Stew

When serving the East West Lentil Stew, consider the following ideas to enhance your meal:

• Crusty bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth. A rustic sourdough is especially delightful.
• Side salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the stew beautifully.
• Seasonal vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables make a great side. Think about pairing with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for extra color and nutrients.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings with friends, or as a comforting meal during winter months.
• Leftover magic: This stew tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld together. It’s an excellent option for meal prep or having on hand for quick lunches.

FAQ

Conclusion

The East West Lentil Stew is a delightful combination of flavors and nourishment, perfect for chilly nights. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings to your table. Happy cooking!

East West Lentil Stew

Craving a warm and hearty meal? Look no further than this comforting East West Lentil Stew. Packed with wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, it's the perfect dish for chilly evenings. Make it tonight for an easy and satisfying dinner!

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Fusion

Servings 4 servings

Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Large Pot
• Oven
• Cutting Board
• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 lb chorizo Mexican, click link for easy homemade chorizo!
• 2 cups butternut squash diced
• 1 stalk celery diced
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 3 cups chicken broth good quality
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 tsp curry powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Swiss chard thinly sliced

Instructions

 

• In a heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll notice the sweet aroma of the onions as they soften.
• Add the chorizo to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Brown the chorizo for about 5 minutes until it’s cooked through and begins to release its flavorful oils. The color should deepen, and you’ll be able to smell the spices.
• Next, stir in the butternut squash and celery. Sauté these vegetables for another 2 minutes. Watch as they infuse the pot with their vibrant colors.
• Add the lentils, chicken broth, bay leaf, curry powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The mixture should look hearty and rich.
• Bring the stew to a slow boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer. After about 20 minutes, check the lentils and vegetables. They should be soft and cooked through, creating a lovely thick stew.
• Once everything is tender, add the Swiss chard to the pot. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring gently. The chard will wilt but still retain its vibrant green color.
• Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf. Give the stew a final taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. The flavors will be bold and comforting, inviting you to dig in.
• Serve the East West Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings!

Notes

When storing leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stew for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Keyword comfort food, healthy dinner, lentil stew recipe, Vegetarian Stew

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.