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As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, there's nothing quite like a warm, nourishing stew to embrace the cozy vibes of fall and winter. Cozy Pumpkin & Lentil Delight is the perfect dish to enjoy during those chilly evenings. This hearty stew combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with the nutritional powerhouse of lentils, creating a meal that is both satisfying and healthy.

Hearty Pumpkin & Lentil Stew

Warm up your fall with this Cozy Pumpkin & Lentil Delight, a comforting stew that blends creamy pumpkin with hearty lentils. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this nutritious dish is both vegetarian-friendly and full of flavor. With vibrant greens and aromatic spices, its a wholesome choice that will satisfy everyone around your table. Try it tonight and share the warmth of this heartwarming recipe. Save this for later and enjoy cozy evenings ahead!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 carrot, diced

1 celery stalk, diced

1 medium pumpkin (about 2-3 lbs), peeled and cubed

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed

4 cups vegetable broth

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp salt (to taste)

¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)

2 cups kale or spinach, roughly chopped

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

    Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices, stirring frequently.

      Introduce the Pumpkin and Lentils: Add the cubed pumpkin and rinsed lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine them with the sautéed vegetables and spices.

        Add Liquids: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a boil.

          Simmer the Stew: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and pumpkin are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Incorporate Greens: Add the chopped kale or spinach to the stew in the last 5 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt and integrate into the stew.

              Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

                Serve: Ladle the hearty pumpkin and lentil stew into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and enjoy warm!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings