Nostalgic Beef Stew
Stews remind me of my childhood… Of coming in from the blustering outdoors with ruby cheeks and a smile. Stew reminds me of shedding my gloves and scarf at our hall tree, and then eagerly sitting around our family table for a filling meal.
Mom’s Beef Stew
Stew reminds me of my mom, always smiling, and always a wonderful cook; although she still won’t admit to it. Mom had a way of drawing us into the kitchen. She would make up funny stories about the origins of our food and allow us to whittle our fruits and veggies into amusing shapes. Even when life was hectic for her, she made our time together light, memorable, and full of teachable moments. If only I can make such an impact on my babies.
Beef Lentil Stew Recipe
Today’s Beef and Lentil Stew is a true family favorite. It’s a play-off of my mom’s classic beef stew, substituting brown lentils for potatoes to enhance its nutritional value. Although I love the classic version and make it regularly, this lentil stew recipe offers an extra level of texture and depth of flavor.
Healthy Lentil Stew Recipe
It’s hearty and filling with a robust beefy flavor. Yet this lentil stew is lean and packed with nutrients, for those on a clean diet, or who are just generally watching their waistlines. Although I wouldn’t call this low-carb, it is a very well-balanced meal. Beef and Lentil Stew is a marvelous meal to warm you up on cool evenings. It’s guilt-free, gluten-free, and fabulous as leftovers.
Beef Lentil Stew Ingredients
Olive Oil – To saute the onions, garlic, and beef. Beef Chuck – A fabulous stew meat for flavor and texture. Onion – For depth of flavor. Garlic Cloves– For depth of flavor. Carrots – To add sweetness and color. Celery – To offer texture and herby essence. Dried Lentils – Use brown or green lentils, because they hold their shape after cooking. Crushed Tomatoes – For tangy flavor and thickening. Beef Stock – To intensify the beefy flavor. (You can use vegetable broth if that is what you have on hand) Red Wine – To balance the heavy ingredients. Bay Leaves – To offer deep herby notes. Thyme – You can use a few tablespoons of fresh or dried thyme. Cayenne Pepper – For a little kick! Tarragon – To offer a fresh pop of sweetness at the end. Salt and Pepper to Taste
How To Make Lentil Stew
Instructions…
- Sauté. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for a few minutes, then add the beef and garlic. 2. Brown. Brown the meat, stirring regularly, until the pieces are caramelized on all sides. 3. Dump. Add the vegetables, carrots, celery, lentils, tomatoes, beef stock, wine, bay leaves, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. 4. Simmer. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat and simmer, until the lentils are tender. Then stir in the tarragon and taste for salt and pepper.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls and garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
Tips & Variations
For ease, you can use canned lentils! Add them once the beef is tender and simmer for about 5-10 minutes. The wine adds a depth of flavor that you will otherwise not get, but you can omit it if you prefer not to cook with alcohol! Replace that liquid with extra broth, instead. Add extra veggies like broccoli, mushrooms or leeks!
More Cozy Fall & Winter Recipes
Nana’s Epic Navy Bean Soup Red Posole with Pork Japanese Clear Soup 5-Ingredient Cheesy Chicken Chili Buffalo Cauliflower Soup Recipe Perfect Pumpkin Chili Ethiopian Red Lentils (Mesir Wat) Everyone’s Favorite Chili Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew Perfect New England Clam Chowder Creamy French Onion Soup Homemade Copycat Little Caesar’s Crazy Bread Roasted Red Pepper Marinara
Check the printable recipe card below of this soup recipe for the nutritional information including calories, carbohydrates, protein, saturated fat, sodium, potassium, fiber, and vitamin percentages. Share This Recipe With Friends!
