Hearty Lentil and Zucchini Stew Recipe for a Cozy Evening
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Lentil and Zucchini Stew. As a chef, I’ve cooked countless meals for many different people, but this particular recipe is one that always receives rave reviews from my customers.
What I love about this meal is that it’s comforting and hearty, yet still healthy and nutritious. The lentils provide a great source of fiber and protein while the zucchini adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal without sacrificing your health goals.
Another thing that makes this recipe stand out is its versatility. You can switch up the vegetables to include whatever happens to be in season, or add different herbs and spices to make it your own. No matter how you choose to customize it, the flavors will always come together to create a rich and satisfying dish that will satisfy both your tastebuds and your stomach.
So come along with me on this culinary journey as I show you how to make this Lentil and Zucchini Stew recipe step-by-step. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you’ll have a mouth-watering meal ready in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lentil and Zucchini Stew Recipe is one of a kind. This dish is a masterpiece that combines the goodness of lentils and the freshness of zucchini, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite. If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy meal, then this recipe is perfect for you!
What sets this recipe apart from others is that it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings without leaving you feeling heavy. Brown lentils and low sodium beef broth create a base so hearty, and beef chuck gives an added texture to every spoonful. The carrots and zucchinis add a touch of vibrancy to the dish that enhances its visual appeal.
This Lentil and Zucchini Stew Recipe not only offers important nutrients our body needs but also has a unique taste that’s hard to match. Its enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, making your family rush to the table. It’s effortless to cook, budget-friendly, and can be customized according to your preferred level of heat or spice.
If you’re health-conscious, then this recipe should be on your menu. With red lentils leading the line-up, it’s high in fiber yet low in fat. Also, zucchini is incredibly rich in vitamins A and C, providing many essential nutrients required by our body.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a scrumptious yet nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare on any weeknight, Lentil and Zucchini Stew Recipe won’t disappoint! This stew will keep you warm during chilly days while satisfying your taste buds with its richness in flavor. Don’t hesitate to whip up a pot of this stew today!
Ingredient List
Here’s what you will need to make this delicious lentil and zucchini stew recipe:
Vegetables:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 medium-size zucchinis, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
Lentils:
- 1 cup of brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup red lentils
Beef:
- 1 lb of beef chuck, cut into small cubes
Broth and seasoning:
- 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup of dry red wine
- 1 can (28 Oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Olive oil:
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Note: If you want to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the beef.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! Below is the step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious lentil and zucchini stew.
Ingredients
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 zucchinis, diced
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Dry red wine (optional)
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook for about 5 minutes or until translucent.
- Next, add the diced carrots, zucchinis, and continue cooking for about 4 minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
- Then, add the rinsed and drained brown lentils along with the crushed tomatoes, dried thyme, dried oregano and bay leaves.
- Add in low-sodium beef broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer over high heat then reduce the heat to low-medium and let cook for approximately one hour or until lentils are tender.
- If you want some heat to your stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. For those who like to add richness to their dishes, a splash of dry red wine would also do wonders.
- Once done, remove bay leaves and season the stew with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
Serve hot as is or with a slice of crusty bread! It’s healthy, hearty, and perfect for any day of the week.
Note: The recipe can be easily doubled up for future meals or parties. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for later use!
Substitutions and Variations
In cooking, there is always room for creativity and experimentation. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up in this lentil and zucchini stew recipe, don’t hesitate to do so. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Instead of zucchini, you can use yellow summer squash or diced eggplant.
– If you prefer a spicier stew, add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Alternatively, if you don’t like heat at all, omit these ingredients altogether.
– If you’re vegetarian or vegan, simply swap the beef chuck with extra veggies like mushrooms or potatoes. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will also make this dish suitable for vegetarians.
– For a heartier, winter-friendly stew, add cubed butternut squash or sweet potato to the pot along with the lentils and other veggies.
– Want to make this recipe in a crockpot? Simply brown the beef (if using) and sauté the veggies on the stove before transferring everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the lentils are tender.
These variations are just a few examples of how versatile this lentil and zucchini stew can be. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients until you find your favorite version that satisfies your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and Pairing are crucial aspects of any recipe, and the lentil and zucchini stew recipe is no exception. The delicious aroma fills the room, tempting you to try a spoonful even before it’s ready. Once it’s done, you can serve it hot with your choice of pairing.
One great pairing for this stew is a crusty, artisanal bread like a French baguette or sourdough loaf. The bread’s crunchy exterior and chewy interior complement the smooth texture of the lentils and zucchini perfectly.
If you prefer lighter fare or want to add a burst of color, you could serve it with a fresh salad on the side, such as a Mediterranean or Greek salad. The crisp vegetables’ flavors will contrast against the warm, comforting lentil stew.
For a heartier meal, pair it with rice or quinoa, which will soak up the thick broth and provide extra nutrition. The grains’ earthy flavors also harmonize with the rich taste of the beef chuck and bay leaves.
If you want a beverage pairing suggestion for this dish, try something robust like a dark beer or red wine. They’ll both balance out the dish’s saltiness with subtle sweetness while bringing out its spiciness from cayenne pepper.
Regardless of what you choose to serve alongside your lentil and zucchini stew recipe, remember that it’s meant to be savory, hearty comfort food that warms your belly and soothes your soul-much like grandmother’s soup prepared fresh in her kitchen on a Fall evening.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know that life can get busy and sometimes you need to prepare meals in advance. That’s why I am excited to tell you that this Lentil and Zucchini Stew recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will meld together even more if you let it sit for a day or two.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until the point where you would add the zucchini. Instead of adding it, allow the stew to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to four days.
When ready to serve, reheat the stew on a low heat on the stove until it is hot all the way through. If you find that it has thickened too much, simply add a splash of water or stock to thin it out.
If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat single portions, simply microwave them until hot.
This lentil and zucchini stew also freezes very well. To do so, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container or zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.
To thaw, remove it from the freezer and transfer it to the fridge. Allow it to thaw overnight before reheating on a low heat on the stove until hot all the way through.
Now that you know how easy this recipe is to make ahead of time and store for later use, there’s really no excuse not to give it a try right away!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced chef, I have learned a few tips and tricks when it comes to making the perfect lentil and zucchini stew. Here are some of my recommendations that will help take your stew to the next level.
First, make sure to use good quality ingredients. The better the quality of your vegetables, lentils, and beef, the better the flavor of your stew will be. Try to buy fresh produce whenever possible, and opt for organic ingredients if you can.
Another tip is to let your stew simmer for at least an hour to allow all of the flavors to meld together. This helps to deepen the complexity of the dish and brings out the aromas and flavors of each ingredient.
In addition, it’s important not to overcook the lentils. Overcooked lentils can become mushy and ruin the texture of your stew. Keep a close eye on them while cooking, and make sure they are tender but still hold their shape.
When it comes to seasoning, cayenne pepper is a great spice to add a bit of heat to this dish. However, be careful not to add too much so that it doesn’t overpower the other flavors. A pinch or two should do the trick.
I also recommend using red wine in your stew for added depth of flavor. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind just its rich flavor. If you don’t have any red wine on hand, you can substitute with low-sodium beef broth instead.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your substitutions and variations. This recipe can easily be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary restrictions. For example, you could use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian option or swap out butternut squash for the zucchini for a twist on the classic recipe.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make this delicious lentil and zucchini stew!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this lentil and zucchini stew recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal. With its combination of brown and red lentils, zucchini, carrots, onion, and garlic, it creates a harmonious blend of flavors with just the right amount of spice from the cayenne pepper and herbs.
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding or substituting ingredients such as eggplants or chickpeas. It is also a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish to your favorite dishes.
Moreover, it is a healthy choice when you’re looking for something filling and satisfying. Not only is it plant-based, but it packs a punch of protein with the lentils, making it an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans.
Finally, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in one pot which saves you time on cleaning up. The best part? It tastes even better as leftovers!
So next time you’re in need of some inspiration for a healthy plant-based meal, try out this delicious lentil and zucchini stew recipe. You won’t regret it!
Lentil and Zucchini Stew Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/2 lbs beef chuck, diced
- 1 2/3 cups brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 carrots, medium size sliced
- 1 large zucchini, chunked
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 8 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 cup dry red wine
- 4 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In large (12”) skillet (we like to use our iron skillet) over medium heat, saute’ onions for 3-4 minutes then add the beef and garlic browning the meat and stirring for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and place in slow cooker.
- Add lentils, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, beef stock, wine and spices to the slow cooker. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Set slow cooker on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.