Best Italian Lentil Stew

This is absolutely the best stew recipe, for more than one reason. For starter, it is so delicious, nutritious and filling that everyone will love it.

Secondly, it is so easy to make and finally, it keeps really well in the fridge. So, if you're busy or only have to cook for yourself, just leave it there for a few days, and it's going to be just as delicious as in the first day.

The main ingredient, lentils is so healthy and nutritious. Some of the benefits include being rich in protein, fiber and iron. High fiber content supports bowel movement and with that gut health. And we all know, how protein is essential for building repairing mussels, while iron is needed for red blood cells.

Lentils also have phytochemicals which may protect against diseases like type 2 diabetes, and cardiac diseases.

Be sure to soak overnight, to remove antinutrients. You might feel bloated or gassy if you don't consume often, but that might be because your gut bacteria is not used to it. This can be changed, Start with smaller portions, and soaking will help to some degree.

I tweaked the original recipe which is from Australian Women’s Weekly. Try and (I promise) you won't regret it!

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Italian lentil stew ingredients

Soak the lentils over night to remove antinutrients and rinse it well.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil 

1 medium onion chopped

1 tbsp minced garlic

3 tsp of minced ginger

1 tsp of ground cumin seeds

Depending on how hot you like a type of chili either very mild or hot ones

1 carrot chopped 

1 chopped celery stalk

2 Bay leaves

1 tablespoon of thyme

2/3 of cup green lentil soaked overnight 

1/4 cup of tomato paste

1 Liter (4 cups) of vegetable stock

1 tbsp of lemon juice

Fry the olive oil, onion, garlic, ginger, carrot and celery for around10 minutes

Add all the remaining ingredients. Boil it up and then cook it for another20 to 25 minutes. Taste the lentil to see when it's ready. Alternatively, you may cook it in a slow cooker for 4 hours.

Serve it with some bread, bread sticks or croutons as you like it.

Enjoy!

Italian Lentil Stew