French Lentil Stew

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This French Lentil Stew is chock full of good stuff. Make a batch now and freeze some for later. Look for French (small green) lentils. Most other types can get mushy.

This recipe was developed by Kate Sherwood, The Healthy Cook. Have a comment, question, or idea? Email Kate at healthycook@cspinet.org.

Time: 45 minutes
Makes: 6 cups

Ingredients

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 bulb fennel, diced
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 bay leaf
3 sprigs fresh thyme
1½ cups French lentils
1 tsp. kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

In a large heavy pot, heat the oil over medium heat until shimmering. Sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and fennel until lightly browned, 7-10 minutes.
Stir in the tomato paste. Cook until it starts to brown, 2-3 minutes.
Add the bay leaf, thyme, and lentils. Stir in 6 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to medium. Simmer until the lentils are al dente, 20-25 minutes.
Season with the salt and pepper. Remove and discard the bay leaf and thyme sprigs.