Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Brown Rice

Ingredients

• Brown rice 1/2 cup cooked
• Lentils 1/2 cup cooked
• Carrots 1/2 medium
• Celery 1/2 stalk
• Tomato sauce 1/4 cup
• Onion 1/4 medium
• Olive oil 1/2 tbsp
• Garlic 1/2 clove
• Vegetable broth 1/2 cup

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Wash and dice the carrot and celery into small pieces. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic clove. Measure out the cooked brown rice and lentils.
   Tip: Cut vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
2. Sauté Aromatics. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
   Tip: Stir frequently to prevent garlic from burning, which can cause bitterness.
3. Cook Vegetables. Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
   Tip: If vegetables start to stick, add a splash of vegetable broth.
4. Add Lentils, Tomato Sauce, and Broth. Pour in 1/2 cup of cooked lentils, 1/4 cup tomato sauce, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
   Tip: Use low to medium heat to avoid boiling too hard, which can break down lentils too much.
5. Simmer the Stew. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the stew simmer gently for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
   Tip: Simmering helps the flavors meld and vegetables become tender.
6. Warm Brown Rice. While the stew simmers, warm the cooked brown rice in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist.
   Tip: Fluff the rice with a fork after warming to separate grains.
7. Combine and Serve. Taste the stew and adjust seasoning if needed (salt and pepper). Serve the lentil and vegetable stew over the warmed brown rice. Enjoy your nutritious meal!
   Tip: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro if desired.

Pro tips

• Use dried lentils and cook them in advance to save time during meal prep.
• Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar before serving can brighten the flavors.