A simple lentil stew that will warm you up all winter!

If you love lentils like me, this stew will be your go-to dish when you want something tasty, cozy, and warm.This is the traditional stew that everyone eats on New Year’s Eve. Traditionally lentils are eaten soon after midnight, as the new year kicks in. It’s said the more you eat, the more money you’re going to get in the coming year. If even just 1% of this were true, I’d be the richest person on the planet! But, apart from that, this is super easy to make and it’s also very versatile.

On New Year’s Eve, it’s traditionally made with cotechino or zampone (pig leg) or sausages. However, you can make it vegan simply by skipping the meat.  I usually make a large batch and use the leftover to make Pasta e lenticchie. A simple soup you can prepare just by adding water to the lentils and some pasta.

Lentils Health facts

Pulses are not only a great addition to our diet, but they are also very cheap. You can get a lot of fibers and plant-based protein from it effortlessly. There are many types of lentil, and they’re all good for this recipe. So just buy what you can easily find in your local store.

If you have issues with gas when eating pulses and beans, just follow a few simple steps before enjoying your recipe.

1. Soak the lentils for at least 6h and then drain and rinse well. The water will be filled of the anti nutrients that makes you bloated.
2. boil the lentils with turmeric or a piece of kombu kelp, bay leaves are great too to avoid bloating.
3. discard the cooking water as it contains anti nutrients as well as the soaking water.

Just by following these steps you’ll be able to eat lentils without side effects. Check my Chickpeas 101 article to know more about hot to enjoy beans and pulses.

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Italian Lentil stew

It’s thick, nourishing, and naturally packed with protein and fiber — perfect served with a drizzle of good olive oil and a slice of crusty bread. Each region adds its own touch, but the essence remains the same: simple, wholesome, and comforting Italian home cooking.

Course Beans, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Keyword lentil stew, lentils, vegan lentil stew, vegan recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

soaking time 6 hours hours

Total Time 6 hours hours 50 minutes minutes

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

• 250 g dried lentils
• 500 ml of tomato passata
• 1 large garlic clove
• chili powder or flakes
• salt and pepper
• 1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
• sausage optional
• water

Instructions

• Soak the lentils for 4/6 hours.
• Drain and rise well, then boil until tender for about 30/40 minutes (15/20 min. in a pressure cooker ).
• Drain again the lentils and put them back into the pot.
• Add the oil, garlic and chili powder or flakes if you like it spicy.
• Add the tomato passata, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for about 15/20 minutes.
• Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of pepper.