Lentil Stew Recipe: What to Serve With Lentil Stew

Lentil stew is a thick lentil soup made with the legumes as its base. Often a vegan or vegetarian recipe, this gluten-free stew is low in total fat and includes good carbohydrates and an abundance of protein. Although lentil stew is uncomplicated to make and doesn’t necessarily require a long cooking time, its flavors become richer the longer it simmers—for example, over a long period on the stovetop or in a slow cooker.

There are several different types of lentils and, depending on your personal preferences, each type could make a great base for your lentil soup or lentil stew. Here are three of the most popular:

1. 1. Brown lentils: Brown lentils are quick to cook and widely available. Once cooked, these are neither too mushy nor overly firm.
2. 2. Green lentils: Green lentils are firm, peppery in taste, and take a while to cook. Use these if you don’t mind waiting a longer for your stew in exchange for a more solid, chewable set of lentils.
3. 3. Red lentils: Red lentils break down very easily when brought to heat, so this is a good lentil option if you want a stew that’s less solid and more pasty and smooth.

Lentils contain high amounts of potassium, calcium, folate, and iron compared to other foods. They are also a hearty vegetarian source of protein and fiber, meaning you should feel fuller for longer after eating lentils than you might after eating less protein-rich or less fiber-filled foods. Like other legumes—for example, chickpeas and black beans—lentils may help lower a person’s cholesterol when consumed regularly.

Lentil stew makes for a great main dish, or you can serve it alongside your main meal. These are some of the best accompaniments to lentil stew:

• Bread: Add a toasted, crusty bread into the stew itself or dip it in. A slice of crunchy bread can complement a smooth lentil stew in terms of the contrasting textures.
• Quinoa: Quinoa, like lentils, is a good vegetarian combination of carbohydrates and protein. If you want to pair your vegan lentil stew with another dairy-free and meatless option, quinoa is a filling option. Try mixing quinoa into your lentil stew, or adding quinoa to a salad served on the side.
• Salad: The cold crunch of a salad complements a warm lentil stew and can boost the meal’s fiber content while keeping the meal totally vegetarian if that’s your preference.