The First Time I Tried Beet-Lentil Stew
Beet-Infused Lentil Delight one of my favorite soup and I’ll never forget the first time I experimented with combining beets and lentils in one dish. It was a chilly afternoon, and I wanted something hearty and warm but also full of flavor. As I rummaged through my pantry, I found a bag of black lentils that had been sitting there for a while. The idea hit me—I had just bought some fresh beets from the market, and I wondered how their earthy sweetness would pair with the lentils. Without thinking twice, I decided to give it a try.
Bringing the Dish to Life
I started by chopping up onions, carrots, and celery to create the base of the stew. The colors were already popping, but when I added the beets, everything turned this beautiful deep red. It looked vibrant and smelled even better. As the veggies sizzled in the pot, I threw in some garlic and thyme, letting the aroma fill the kitchen. I could already tell this was going to be something special. The lentils went in next, soaking up all those flavors as they cooked slowly in vegetable broth.
The Secret Ingredient
The real magic happened when I added the beet juice. It wasn’t part of the original plan, but I had some fresh juice leftover, and I thought, why not? The juice gave the stew a bold color and intensified the beet flavor, making it more than just a regular lentil stew. A splash of balsamic vinegar at the end balanced everything out, adding just the right amount of tanginess. By this point, I was so excited to taste it. I couldn’t wait to see if it turned out as delicious as it looked.
A New Family Favorite
When I finally sat down to eat, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The beets and lentils worked perfectly together—the earthy, slightly sweet beets paired beautifully with the hearty lentils, making each bite full of rich flavors. My family loved it too, and it quickly became a favorite at home. Now, every time I make Beet-Infused Lentil Delight, I’m reminded of that cold afternoon when a simple idea turned into something vibrant and unforgettable.
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Chef’s Notes-Beet-Infused Lentil Delight
- Soaking the black lentils overnight not only reduces cooking time but also makes them easier to digest. If you’re short on time, you can skip the soaking, but allow extra cooking time.
- Ensure that the beets, carrots, and celery are cut into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate.
- Adding balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking ensures a bright acidity that balances the earthiness of the beets and lentils. Add more if you like a tangier flavor.
- Toast the lentils briefly in the pot before adding the broth to enhance their nutty flavor.
- For a smoother texture, you can partially blend the soup with an immersion blender before adding the beet juice. It will give the dish a creamier consistency while still retaining some texture.
- A drizzle of browned butter or crumbled goat cheese on top adds richness, but if you want to keep it vegan, try topping with roasted pumpkin seeds or crispy shallots for extra texture and flavor.
- This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Beet-Infused Lentil Delight
Dive into a world of vibrant flavors with this Beet-Infused Lentil Delight! This dish is a symphony of earthy beets and hearty lentils, creating a vegan masterpiece that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Perfect as a standalone meal or a delightful side, this recipe will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this dish is your ticket to culinary bliss. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this colorful and flavorful creation!
4
20
minutes45
minutes278
kcal1
hour5
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil or butter your choice
1 cup red onion finely chopped
1 cup carrots diced
1/2 cup celery chopped stalks
1 cup beets peeled and cubed
4 cloves garlic coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon thyme leaves fresh
1 leaf bay leaf for flavoring
1 1/2 cups black lentils soaked overnight if possible
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar more if needed
1 cup beet juice or additional broth as a substitute
Optional toppings browned butter or crumbled goat cheese for garnish
Directions
- Sautéing Vegetables – In a large dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, cubed beets, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Cooking Lentils – Introduce the lentils to the pot along with the vegetable broth and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Serving Suggestions – Stir in balsamic vinegar and taste again for balance. Serve hot with optional browned butter or goat cheese crumbles on top.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Dutch Oven
- measuring cups and spoons
Notes
- For best results, serve this dish with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal. You can also add roasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes during the sautéing step.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 278kcal
- Carbohydrates: 41.6g
- Protein: 13.2g
- Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 263.4mg
- Potassium: 0mg
- Fiber: 7.2g
- Sugar: 6.4g
- Vitamin A: 0IU
- Vitamin C: 0mg
- Calcium: 0mg
- Iron: 0mg
FAQ-Beet-Infused Lentil Delight
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Drain and rinse them, then reduce the cooking time by about 15 minutes since they are already cooked.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This stew is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month. The flavors deepen as it sits.
Can I use other types of lentils?
Yes, you can substitute black lentils with green or brown lentils. However, red lentils are not recommended as they cook much faster and would become too mushy.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, over rice, or alongside a simple green salad. You can also add a dollop of vegan yogurt or sour cream for a creamy contrast.
Can I skip the beet juice?
If you don’t have beet juice, simply add extra vegetable broth. The dish will still be delicious, but the beet juice adds an extra layer of beet flavor and a vibrant color.
