Warm up your winter evenings with our delectable vegan lentil and spinach stew recipe. An easy one pot vegan winter stew recipe that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the rinsed and drained cooked lentils to the pot and stir.
Next add sliced tomatoes, stir and cover. Let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until tomatoes get soft.
Sprinkle some salt, chili flakes, dry rosemary, oregano and mixed dry herbs.
Next add sliced green chilies, ketchup and lemon juice and mix until well combined. You can smash some lentils at this stage to get a thick consistency of the stew.
Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover the pot and let the stew simmer for about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the chopped spinach and bell peppers and let them wilt into the stew for another 2 to 3 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the Lentil Spinach Stew hot, with some nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan on top. Garnish it with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes or avocado slices.
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Notes
For a spicier stew, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or sweet potatoes, to enhance the nutritional profile and flavor diversity.
Add the spinach towards the end of the cooking process to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
If you prefer a creamy stew, consider blending a portion of the cooked lentils and vegetables with an immersion blender before adding the spinach.
Consider incorporating coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt for a creamy twist.