Cozy Lentil Stew with Turmeric & Ginger - GutJoy

This hearty lentil stew contains gut-loving ingredients like fiber-rich lentils, anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger, and creamy coconut milk. It's the perfect meal to nourish your body and soul on a chilly evening.

Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 cup yellow lentils, rinsed
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14.5 ounces) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup coconut milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, turmeric, ginger, cumin, and cayenne (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Add the lentils and broth: Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Finish the stew: Stir in the coconut milk and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Tips & Variations:

For a thicker stew: If you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked lentils with a fork or potato masher before adding the coconut milk.
Add more veggies: Add other vegetables to your stew, such as chopped potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach.
Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
To make it a complete meal, Serve this stew with a side of your favorite gut-friendly bread, like sourdough.

Gut-Healthy Highlights:

Lentils: An excellent source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut.
Turmeric & Ginger: These spices have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion.
Coconut Milk: Adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.

Enjoy this delicious and nourishing lentil stew! Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #ComfortMeetsCare and tag GutJoy!

Thanks for reading!