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Spicy Lentil Stew Beats the Chill

When the temperature drops and you need something that'll warm you from the inside out, this spicy lentil stew is your new best friend. It's packed with protein, full of flavor, and has just enough kick to make you forget about that pile of snow in your driveway. Plus, it's basically a one-pot wonde
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups dried red lentils rinsed
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 large carrots diced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and diced carrots. Stir everything together well.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
  5. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. Perfect with crusty bread for dipping!