Here’s a cozy, nourishing recipe for Lentil Stew with Kale and Onions—perfect for your wellness-inspired regimen. It’s hearty, symbolic (greens for renewal, lentils for grounding), and easy to make.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth (or water + bouillon)
1 bay leaf
1 bunch kale, stems removed, leaves chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook another 3–4 minutes.
Season: Add cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir until fragrant.
Simmer: Add lentils, broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until lentils are tender.
Add greens: Stir in chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes, until wilted but still vibrant.
Finish: Remove bay leaf. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and enjoy with crusty bread.
This stew embodies balance: lentils ground you with earthy nourishment, while kale offers renewal and resilience. Onions add depth, reminding us that wellness is layered and ever-evolving.