As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like a warm and hearty stew to nourish the body and soul. This recipe for a Nourishing Winter Stew is brimming with wholesome ingredients that will keep you cozy and satisfied during the colder months. Packed with vegetables, legumes, and aromatic herbs, it's a comforting bowl of goodness that celebrates the flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup butternut squash, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped carrots, celery, parsnips, sweet potato, butternut squash, and green beans to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften.
4. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.
7. Ladle the nourishing winter stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
This wholesome and comforting stew is a complete meal in itself. The combination of vegetables and lentils provides essential nutrients, fiber, and plant-based protein, making it an ideal choice for a warming dinner. Plus, the aromatic thyme and paprika infuse the stew with delightful flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Enjoy this Nourishing Winter Stew as a standalone meal or pair it with some crusty whole-grain bread for a heartier experience. It's a perfect way to embrace the flavors of the season while taking care of your well-being.
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