Simple Red Lentil Stew Recipe

This red lentil stew is simple and hearty. Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them.

It’s the holidays, and it tends to be the season of overindulgence – or is that just me?  There are days when I just can’t face heavy foods and want something hot and comforting without it being heavy.

I’ve found my ideal solution with red lentils.  They are filling, as they have a ton of protein and fiber, but they don’t sit in my stomach.

With this recipe, I packed the with veggies and other items to make them comforting like a stew, and it was delicious.  I had it by itself, but I’ve also served it with rice and added in a little shredded chicken for a more varied flavor and texture.

I use chicken stock to cook the lentils, but you can easily substitute vegetable stock or water to make this a vegan recipe. It doesn’t impact the flavor too much!

This is something that works well as leftovers, too.  I could easily see adding even more veggies like spinach or kale, or even potato or squash.

I make a version of this in my Instant Pot, too, for days when I want to babysit my meals even less. No matter how you make it, enjoy your lentil stew!

How to Make Red Lentil Stew

Heat the heavy pot with nothing in it to start. If you heat the pot before you add the oil, it helps to create a nonstick surface.

Once the pot is hot, add the oil. Either while the pot heats or once you add the oil, chop your onion.

Add the onion and cook, stirring periodically with a flat wooden spoon.  Mince your garlic while the onion is cooking.

After five minutes or so of onion cooking, when they’ve softened and started to become fully translucent, add the garlic and grate in the ginger with a microplane zester.  Stir for another minute or so.

Wrap your leftover ginger knob tightly in plastic wrap and store it in your freezer. This keeps for up to six months and gives you all the fresh ginger you need for any recipe you make.

While the onions are cooking, prepare the lentils.  You want to go through them to ensure there are no rocks or anything non-lentil mixed in and rinse them gently.

Add the lentils and stock, along with the can of diced tomatoes (and the juice).  Bring this to a simmer, partially covered.  After five minutes of simmering, add the carrots (while it’s coming to a simmer is a great time to peel and cut up your carrots).

Stir the lentils periodically, cooking another ten minutes or so until they lentils are tender but not falling apart.  It will start out looking not so pretty, but you’re doing it right.

Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.  This goes great alone or with rice.

Have you ever made a red lentil stew?

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