Smoky Red Lentil Stew

A very easy to make lentil soup / stew with smoky smell of smoked paprika.

NOTES:

• Topping ideas: some plain Greek-style yogurt, chopped cilantro or parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Could go with some kielbasa chopped, fried and mixed into the stew

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large carrots, small dice
• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 2 stalks celery, small dice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 ¼ cups red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• sea salt & ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from ½ a large lemon)
• chopped fresh herbs for serving

Steps

1. In a large pot or deep braiser, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the carrots, onion, and celery.
3. Stir and saute until the onion is translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the garlic to the pot and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and lentils.
6. Give everything a big stir.
7. Add the vegetable stock, salt, and pepper to the pot.
8. Stir and bring the stew up to a simmer.
9. Cover the pot halfway with a lid and let the stew simmer for about 7-10 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness of the lentils.
10. Stir in the lemon juice.
11. Serve the stew hot with chopped fresh herbs and extra lemon.