Italian Lentil Stew with Tomatoes Recipe
Italian lentil stew with tomatoes is proof comfort food doesn’t need parmesan mountains or hours in the kitchen to impress anyone.
It’s hearty, saucy, and secretly healthy enough that you’ll feel like a Mediterranean goddess while eating two bowls without regret.
Tomatoes bring tangy depth, lentils add earthy satisfaction, and herbs whisper elegance as if you casually studied at culinary school.
This dish pairs rustic flavors with weeknight convenience, making it equally suitable for date night or binge-watching your latest questionable Netflix obsession.
In short, it’s Italy in a bowl—minus the airfare, language lessons, and endless espresso tabs.
Italian Lentil Stew with Tomatoes Recipe
A rustic vegan Italian stew with lentils, tomatoes, and herbs that delivers hearty comfort and bold Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Onion – 1 large diced
- Garlic – 4 cloves minced
- Carrots – 2 medium chopped
- Celery – 2 stalks diced
- Green or brown lentils – 1 ½ cups rinsed
- Crushed tomatoes – 2 cups canned or fresh
- Vegetable broth – 6 cups
- Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
- Bay leaf – 1
- Oregano – 1 tsp dried
- Basil – 1 tsp dried
- Red pepper flakes – ½ tsp
- Salt – 1 ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot.
- Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 6 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer for 40 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with crusty bread.
Notes
Nutritional Values (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 18 g
Vitamins & Minerals (per serving)
- Iron: 30%
- Folate: 36%
- Vitamin A: 45%
- Vitamin C: 22%
- Magnesium: 20%
Additional Notes
- Add spinach at the end for extra greens.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances tomato richness.
- Even better reheated the next day.
