Cookwith

Name: French Lentil Stew with Tomato & Thyme
Prep time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices; 3 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, for brightness); Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

French Lentil Stew with Tomato & Thyme

CrushedLemon1034

This French-inspired lentil stew is a celebration of simple, earthy flavors. The combination of lentils, sweet carrots, aromatic thyme, and tangy tomatoes creates a hearty one-pot meal that’s both comforting and nourishing. Classic French technique gives the stew a rich base, while the fresh thyme lifts the dish with herbaceous brightness. Serve it with warm, crusty bread for the perfect cozy dinner that’s as nutritious as it is satisfying. Leftovers taste even better the next day, making this a meal-prep favorite.

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic and thyme; cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rinsed lentils, canned tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender but not mushy. If the stew gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
Remove bay leaf. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in red wine vinegar if using, for added brightness.
Ladle stew into bowls and garnish with extra fresh thyme and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread.