There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a warm, hearty Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew wafting through your home. The rich blend of spices mingles with the earthy scent of lentils, creating an inviting atmosphere that promises comfort with every spoonful. Picture yourself curled up on a cozy couch, a bowl of this stew in hand, savoring the flavors while your taste buds dance with delight.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you might have memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table to share stories. This stew is the kind of dish that brings people together. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just one of those days when you need some soul-soothing goodness, this recipe is sure to hit the spot and keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful stew is simple to prepare in your slow cooker, making dinner stress-free.
- Packed with vibrant vegetables and protein-rich lentils, it’s bursting with flavor.
- The colorful mix creates a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Enjoy it on its own or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Green or Brown Lentils: These legumes are packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent base for our stew.
- Carrots: Sweet and crunchy, carrots add a nice texture and color to balance out the stew.
- Celery: The aromatic crunchiness of celery complements the other vegetables beautifully.
- Onion: A must-have in any savory dish, onions provide depth and richness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse our stew with irresistible flavors that tantalize the senses.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add acidity and sweetness while enhancing the overall taste.
- Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while keeping all that delicious flavor intact.
- Spinach or Kale: Leafy greens contribute nutrients and a pop of color at the end of cooking.
- Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Thyme): These spices bring warmth and earthiness to our stew; you can adjust them based on personal preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your vegetables: dice the onions, slice the carrots and celery, mince the garlic, and if you’re feeling ambitious, give those tomatoes a rough chop too. This is where you can unleash your inner chef!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a skillet over medium heat (or if you want to skip this step entirely—who am I to judge?), sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Just imagine how good your kitchen will smell! If using a slow cooker with sauté function, you can do it all in one pot.
Step 3: Load Up Your Slow Cooker
Transfer your sautéed mixture into your slow cooker. Add lentils, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (juice included!), vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together like you’re casting a delicious spell.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Set your slow cooker on low for about six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. You’ll want it low if you plan on indulging in some Netflix binge-watching while waiting—trust me; it’s worth it!
Step 5: Add Greens
About ten minutes before serving time (the anticipation builds!), stir in fresh spinach or kale until just wilted. Watch as they turn bright green; they practically sing “health!”
Step 6: Serve
Transfer generous portions into bowls and maybe even sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for pizzazz! Serve it alongside crusty bread or over rice; it’s versatile enough to fit any occasion.
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew ready to warm your soul on those chilly evenings or whenever life demands some serious comfort food. Enjoy every spoonful!
You Must Know
- This slow cooker vegan dinner lentil and vegetable stew is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week.
- Plus, who doesn’t love a dinner that practically cooks itself?
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing your onions and garlic in the slow cooker. Then add your lentils and vegetables before pouring in the broth. Set it on low and let those flavors mingle while you kick back and relax.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lentils for chickpeas or toss in your favorite seasonal veggies. For a spicy kick, throw in some crushed red pepper flakes or experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use dry lentils instead of canned for better texture and flavor.
- Always rinse lentils before cooking to remove any debris and improve taste.
- Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker; give ingredients room to cook evenly.
After I made this stew for my friends during a chilly game night, they couldn’t stop raving about how comforting it was. It turned what could have been just another evening into a cozy memory filled with laughter and warmth!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew?
To make a delicious Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew, gather the following ingredients: brown or green lentils, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, bell peppers, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, and your choice of spices such as cumin and thyme. You can also add leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients. This combination creates a hearty stew that is both nutritious and satisfying.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew?
Cooking Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew typically takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the lentils become tender. For best results, set your slow cooker in the morning and enjoy a warm meal by dinner time.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew?
Yes, you can freeze Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew! After cooking, allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew?
There are many delightful options to accompany your Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping or over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. A fresh side salad can also complement this dish perfectly. Feel free to get creative with toppings like avocado slices or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew
In summary, the Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew is a nourishing dish packed with nutrients. With simple ingredients like lentils and vegetables, this stew is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop beautifully while offering convenience for busy days. Enjoy this wholesome meal any night of the week!
Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Slow Cooker Vegan Dinner Lentil and Vegetable Stew is your go-to comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy days. This hearty stew combines protein-rich lentils with an array of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices, creating a warming dish that brings everyone together. Just set it in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld while you relax. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice for a complete meal that’s deliciously satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 57 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: chop the onions, dice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- Sauté onions and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (or use the sauté function on your slow cooker).
- Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker. Add lentils, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until lentils are tender.
- About 10 minutes before serving, stir in spinach or kale until just wilted.
- Serve hot in bowls with optional crusty bread or over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 0.9g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth. Feel free to swap lentils for chickpeas or add seasonal veggies like bell peppers. If you prefer a spicy kick, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes.
