Hearty Pumpkin & Lentil Stew

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm bowl of Cozy Pumpkin & Lentil Delight to embrace the season. This hearty stew combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the rich, nutty flavor of lentils, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; this recipe is packed with nutrients that will nourish your body and soul.

Warm up your autumn evenings with this Cozy Pumpkin & Lentil Delight, a perfect easy weeknight dinner for chilly nights. This hearty stew blends the natural sweetness of pumpkin with protein-packed lentils, making it both comforting and nourishing. With fragrant spices and vibrant greens, it's a bowl of fall goodness that fills your home with delightful aromas. Try it tonight and embrace the season's flavors!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 medium pumpkin (approximately 2-3 lbs), peeled and cubed

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes in juice

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)

2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large, sturdy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables begin to soften. Incorporate the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.

Add Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine, cooking for another 1-2 minutes to allow the spices to toast and release their aromatic flavors.

Introduce the Pumpkin and Lentils: Carefully add the cubed pumpkin and rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine with the sautéed vegetables and spices, ensuring everything is well coated.

Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth along with the diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.

Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and pumpkin are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Incorporate the Greens: During the final 5 minutes of cooking, add the chopped kale or spinach into the stew. Stir gently to combine, allowing the greens to wilt and meld with the mixture.

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning if necessary. For an extra zing, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Serve: Ladle the hearty pumpkin and lentil stew into warm bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delightful dish warm!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings