A comforting and nutritious stew featuring lentils and root vegetables, perfect for a cozy meal.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are soft and fragrant.
Ensure the garlic doesn't burn as it can turn bitter.
Add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot. Stir them well to coat with the oil and aromatics.
Cut the vegetables into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Stir in the lentils, canned tomatoes, tomato puree, bay leaf, oregano, and vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Rinse the lentils before adding to remove any debris.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check the stew occasionally to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom.
Remove the bay leaf and use a potato masher to gently mash some of the vegetables for a thicker consistency.
Mash to your desired consistency for a heartier stew.
Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Pair with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.