Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew (10 servings) Ingredients: 2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained 8 cups water or vegetable broth 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 large onions, chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 medium carrots, diced 4 stalks celery, diced 2 large potatoes, diced 1 large zucchini, diced 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 2 bay leaves 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried rosemary Salt and black pepper, to taste 4 cups chopped kale or spinach Juice of 1 lemon Fresh parsley, for garnish

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Title: Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Stew (10 servings)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 8 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 medium carrots, diced
  • 4 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups chopped kale or spinach
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, combine the lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Add the cooked onions and garlic to the pot with the lentils, along with the diced carrots, celery, potatoes, zucchini, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
  5. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Stir in the chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the greens have wilted.
  7. Remove the bay leaves and stir in the lemon juice. Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning, as needed.
  8. Serve the hearty lentil and vegetable stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

This recipe features CO2-neutral ingredients, such as lentils and a variety of seasonal vegetables, making it a delicious and environmentally-friendly meal for a large gathering. Enjoy the flavors and textures of this wholesome stew while minimizing your carbon footprint.