Save to Pinterest A hearty, rustic Spanish-inspired stew featuring earthy lentils, sweet prunes, and warming spices—perfect for cozy comfort food lovers.
I have fond memories of my grandmother making this stew on cold evenings—it always warmed the whole family and filled the house with incredible aromas.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large onion finely chopped, 2 carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 3 garlic cloves minced
- Pulses: 2 cups dried brown or green lentils rinsed
- Liquids: 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup water, 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
- Fruits: 10 pitted prunes chopped
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp black pepper, Salt to taste
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6 8 minutes until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add lentils, bay leaf, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables and lentils in the spices.
- Step 4:
- Pour in the vegetable broth, water, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 5:
- Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6:
- Add the chopped prunes and continue to simmer for another 20 30 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Step 7:
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in chopped parsley and season with salt to taste.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley.
Save to Pinterest This stew has always brought my family together on chilly nights—the comforting flavors and warmth create lasting memories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or over steamed rice to soak up the delicious stew juices.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations
Substitute dried apricots for prunes for a different fruity twist or add chopped kale for extra greens.
Save to Pinterest This stew is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition, ready to warm you on any day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What lentils work best for this stew?
Brown or green lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking and provide a hearty texture.
- → Can other dried fruits replace prunes?
Dried apricots can be used as a substitute, adding a similar sweetness and depth to the stew.
- → How can I enhance the stew’s richness?
Adding a splash of sherry vinegar before serving intensifies the flavor with a tangy finish.
- → Is this stew suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check broth and canned tomatoes for hidden gluten.
- → What cooking tools are recommended?
A large heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution for proper simmering, along with basic kitchen tools like a sharp knife and wooden spoon.