Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe

Creating this hearty lentil stew feels like wrapping myself in a cozy blanket on a chilly day; it’s comforting, nourishing, and oh-so-satisfying! Whether you’re a seasoned soup lover or just venturing into the world of stews, this recipe is your golden ticket to a delightful flavor journey, packed with vibrant veggies and warm spices.

There are few things that give me more comfort than a nourishing bowl of stew. My Classic Spanish Lentil Stew combines more than just soil—I mean, hearty lentils that are anything but one note.

They sing smoky-flavored, sweet bell pepper, and oh-so-fragrant smoked paprika; they harmonize with earthy carrots and potatoes. The addition of fresh parsley doesn’t just liven up the flavor; it makes this stew a veritable front-row seat on the phytonutrient highway.

So, are you ready to pull up this dish into your week’s dinner rotation?

Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe Ingredients

• Lentils: Rich in fiber and protein, providing a hearty base.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat that adds richness and depth.
• Red Bell Pepper: Offers sweetness, vitamin C, and vibrant color.
• Smoked Paprika: Imparts a smoky, earthy flavor and aroma.
• Carrots: Add sweetness and are a good source of beta-carotene.

Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

How to Make this Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe

1. In a large saucepan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, chopped finely, and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

2. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and sliced carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes until the veggies are soft.

3. Put in the pot the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and bay leaf, and stir to coat the veggies with the spices.

4. Mix the rinsed lentils into the pot with the vegetables and spices, ensuring everything is well combined.

5. Add the chopped tomato and vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to mix all the ingredients.

6. Heat the mixture in a pot over medium-high heat until it begins to boil. Next, decrease the heat to low, and then cover the pot. Allow the mixture to simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

7. After 20 minutes, add the cubed potatoes to the pot. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 20 to 25 minutes until the lentils and the potatoes are tender.

8. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

9. Before serving, remove the bay leaf from the stew.

10. Lentil stew is made all the more delicious with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley. Of course, you may do without the parsley, but it really adds a wonderful brightness to the dish. If you’re looking for something a little different, then you must try this crusty recipe with the lentil stew. It is simply irresistible! And of course, as with all soups and stews, this dish is even better the next day!

Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan or pot
2. Wooden spoon
3. Chef’s knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Ladle
8. Peeler (for carrots and potatoes)
9. Stove or cooktop

FAQ

• Can I use different types of lentils for this stew?Although brown or green lentils are recommended in this recipe because they maintain their shape well, you can also use red lentils. Just know that the texture will be softer.
• Can I make this stew ahead of time?Indeed, this stew can be prepared up to a day ahead. In fact, the flavors tend to concentrate and become even more delicious as it sits.
• Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?This is a vegetarian preparation. For a vegan version, ensure the broth is not chicken; use a vegetable broth instead.
• Can I freeze the lentil stew?Without a doubt, allow the stew to cool entirely. Afterward, move it to a container that can withstand the virtues of a freezer. You can stow it away there for no more than three months.
• How can I add more flavor to this dish?For an extra depth of flavor, you might want to try adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving.
• Can I add meat to the stew?Certainly! You can add non-vegetarian options like chorizo or cooked bacon, which will take the flavor of your stew to the next level.
• What can I serve with this lentil stew?Present it with a simple salad of greens; serve it with toasted bread for dipping. Each of these accompaniments, though simple, is a prime partner to the soup, as they highlight the dish without upstaging it.

Classic Spanish Lentil Stew Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 tablespoon sunflower oil instead of olive oil.
1 yellow or green bell pepper, instead of red bell pepper
1 teaspoon sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.
1 teaspoon ground coriander
instead of
ground cumin
1 big can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes in place of 1 big fresh tomato

Pro Tips

1. Pre-toast the Spices: Before adding the smoked paprika and ground cumin to the vegetables, toast them in a dry pan for about 1 minute until they are fragrant. This will enhance their flavors and add depth to the stew.