Hearty Lentil and Quinoa Stew

This hearty lentil and quinoa stew is a simple, flavorful, and filling meal that's perfect for a cold night. The lentils and quinoa provide a good source of protein and fiber, while the vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and vitamins. The stew is simmered in a savory vegetable broth, which gives it a rich and satisfying flavor.

This recipe was inspired by a dish I had at a restaurant in the East Village a few years ago. I loved the combination of lentils, quinoa, and vegetables, and I knew I had to try to recreate it at home. I experimented with different ingredients and proportions, and after a few tries, I came up with this recipe. It's not an exact replica of the dish I had at the restaurant, but it's pretty close, and it's just as delicious.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1/2 cup dried quinoa
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 diced carrots
• 2 diced celery
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 6 cups vegetable broth

Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils and quinoa in a fine mesh sieve.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté onion, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and mushrooms in 1 tbsp of vegetable broth until softened.
3. Add lentils, quinoa, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are cooked through and quinoa is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why It Works

• The combination of lentils and quinoa makes for a hearty and filling stew.
• The vegetables add sweetness, crunch, and vitamins to the stew.
• The vegetable broth gives the stew a rich and satisfying flavor.
• The stew is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.