“Kitchen Sink” Budget-Friendly Lentil Stew
 
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp coconut oil (or your favorite fat for cooking; we love this coconut oil)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Spices - I use 1 Tbsp garam masala, 1 Tbsp turmeric, 1 Tbsp cumin, and 3 Tbsp fresh ginger, optional (organic, non-irradiated spices like this brand)
  • 1 pound lentils (sorted and rinsed, soaked, or sprouted based on your preference)
  • Bone broth or water (learn to make bone broth here)
  • 1-2 pounds meat, cooked or raw, optional
  • Herbs - If you do not use the Indian spices, select the dried or fresh herbs of your choice, optional
  • 2-4 cups vegetables, chopped
  • 2-4 cups leafy greens, chopped
  • Unrefined sea salt to taste (this is our favorite unrefined sea salt)
Instructions
  1. Melt coconut oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and saute for 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute. If using Indian spices, add spices and saute another minute.
  4. Add any raw vegetables and stir to coat with oil and spices.
  5. Add raw meat and lentils. Pour in enough bone broth/water to cover the lentils by about an inch. Ensure that any meat is totally covered. Also add any herbs at this time.
  6. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and add water if needed
  7. After 35 minutes (10 minutes before the lentils are done), add any cooked vegetables or meat (this includes frozen vegetables).
  8. If you are cooking raw meat, check that it is fully cooked when the 45 minutes are up. If not, continue to cook until it is.
  9. When the meat and lentils are fully cooked, add leafy greens. Cook for another couple minutes or until the stew is your desired consistency. Add salt to taste.
  10. Serve and enjoy! This recipe freezes very well.
Recipe by Scratch Mommy at https://scratchmommy.com/kitchen-sink-budget-friendly-lentil-stew/