Lentil, Kale and Sweet Potato Stew

Tis the season to make soul warming food! As the cold air rushes in, I am inspired to make soups and stews to warm up! This stew would serve 4 hearty portions or 2 with leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day!


There are many benefits to this stew recipe!

1. It is loaded with super foods like kale and sweet potatoes. 
2. It is healthier than most as it calls for water and not sodium filled stocks. 
3. It freezes beautifully! 
4. I like to freeze in individual sized portions so that I have a quick go to for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients: 

· Olive Oil
· salt and pepper to taste
· 1 red onion (finely chopped)
· 7 carrots (thinly sliced coins)
· 3 garlic cloves (finely minced)
· 1 cup lentils (rinsed)
· 2 teaspoons cumin
· 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
· 6 cups water
· 1 sweet potato (peeled and finely diced; about 1 cup)
· 1 bunch kale ( rinsed and finely shredded)

 Directions: 

In a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add about 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the onion. Season with salt and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes, or until soft.


Add the carrots and cook for 3 more minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute. Add in the rinsed lentils and cook for about 2 minutes, toasting in the oil. Add the cumin and chili flakes, and continue to toast for another minute, or until fragrant. Add the water and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce to a very low heat and gently simmer for about 10 minutes.


Then, carefully stir in the sweet potato and kale. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the lentils are cooked through but not mushy. ( you may need to add a little more water, add until you get the consistency you wish for!)
Once cooked, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.


Tips for the working girl(or guy!) 

1. Wash and shred your kale the day/night before 
2. Peel and dice sweet potato. Store in fridge in a bowl of water. 
3. Rinse your lentils. 
4. Dice your carrots, garlic and onion the day/night before. 
5. With the previous tips, you can make this soup in 30 minutes on a work night!
6. Great News! You can now buy frozen kale! It comes ready to go straight from the freezer! Huge time saver AND allows you to have kale on hand.