Lentil stew is a traditional dish often prepared around New Year’s Eve, believed to bring good luck for the upcoming year. Whether you follow the superstition or not, we can all agree that lentils are a fantastic ingredient, perfect for making healthy, satisfying meals. This easy-to-make, hearty stew can be enjoyed year-round, not just for special occasions.
Lentils are a great source of protein and are packed with essential nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc, and folic acid. With a low glycemic index, they’re a great choice for a variety of special diets.
Not only is lentil stew nutritious, but it’s also quick to prepare, making it a great option for beginners in the kitchen. Plus, lentils are an affordable and locally grown ingredient, so you can enjoy a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
How to Make Gluten- and Dairy-Free Lentil Stew with Garlic Topping:
Ingredients for Lentil Stew:
- 500 g large lentils,
- 1500 g water,
- 2-3 bay leaves,
- 1 large onion,
- 3 cloves garlic,
- 1 piece of ham,
- sausage, or bacon rind (optional),
- salt to taste (use less if adding smoked meat),
- 1 tablespoon mustard, 2 tablespoons olive oil,
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour (we recommend MIMOOSA Bread Flour Base),
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika,
- sour cream (optional, can be dairy-free or vegan).
Instructions:
First, sort the lentils thoroughly to remove any debris like stones or wheat grains. Rinse them in a fine mesh strainer under cold water. Some people soak lentils overnight to make them cook faster and reduce phytic acid, but we skip this step, and they cook perfectly without soaking. If you choose to soak them, make sure to discard the soaking water.
In a large pot, add the rinsed lentils with 3 times the amount of water. Add bay leaves, the whole onion, a couple of garlic cloves, salt, and smoked meat (if desired). We used a whole sausage cut into 3-4 cm pieces in the image, but ham or a piece of bacon rind works just as well. You can also make the stew without meat for a vegetarian version, and it’s still delicious.
Cook the lentils over medium heat until they are tender. This should take around 30-40 minutes.
In a separate pan, heat olive oil and lightly brown 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour. Once the flour is browned, stir it into the simmering stew to thicken it.
Stir in the smoked paprika and mustard. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
If using, stir in the sour cream just before serving. If you prefer, you can skip the sour cream entirely, and the dish will still be full of flavor.
Serve the lentil stew with your choice of toppings. In the image, we paired it with roasted meat, but you can also serve it with fried eggs, sausage, or a slice of gluten-free bread. It’s equally delicious on its own.
Garlic Roasted Meat (Optional Topping):
Ingredients:
- 6 slices pork neck or any meat of your choice,
- 6 cloves garlic,
- 2 small onions,
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin,
- 2 teaspoons salt,
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper,
- 2 tablespoons duck fat,
- 1 dl water
Instructions: Mix salt, cumin, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the meat slices with the seasoning.
Place duck fat in a roasting pan or dish. Add the seasoned meat slices. Top each piece with thinly sliced garlic and onion.
Add water to the pan, cover with a lid or foil, and roast in the oven at 160°C for 2 hours. This will result in tender, flavorful, and aromatic meat.
Enjoy your delicious, hearty lentil stew!
