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!
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.