Classic Spanish Lentil & Potato Stew | Heartwarming One-Pan Recipe

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Water is a cost-effective base that can work if seasoned well.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Peel and wash the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces about 2 cm thick (3/4 inch).

Finely chop one small onion and roughly chop four cloves of garlic.

Cut two slices from a baguette, each 2 cm thick (3/4 inch).

Rinse one cup of dried lentils in a fine sieve under water.

Heat a stock pot over medium heat and add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil.

Add the slices of baguette and four cloves of garlic with skins removed to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes until golden fried.

Remove the baguette and garlic from the pot and transfer them to a mortar, setting aside.

In the same pot, add the chopped onion and chopped garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

Add 2 teaspoons (5 grams) of sweet smoked Spanish paprika and 1 teaspoon (3 grams) of ground cumin to the pot, mixing well with the onion and garlic.

Add 1/2 cup (120 grams) of tomato sauce to the pot and simmer for 3-4 minutes without stirring until slightly thickened.

Add the chopped potatoes, 1 cup (200 grams) of dried lentils, and 5 cups (1200 ml) of vegetable broth to the pot, along with 1 bay leaf, and mix gently.

Increase the heat to high until it boils, then cover and reduce to low heat, simmering for 20-25 minutes until lentils and potatoes are cooked through.

While the stew simmers, add 2 teaspoons (about 8 grams) of chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of sea salt to the mortar with the fried baguette and garlic, and pound into a paste.

After 20-25 minutes, check the lentils and potatoes for doneness, then add the bread and garlic mixture to the stew, seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Remove the pot from heat, transfer some stew to a shallow bowl, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary