Recipe Station

Here's everything you need for this hearty stew. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and are also ideal for freezing. We like to make extra so we'll have a quick meal to warm up when we're short on time but want a hot, home-cooked meal!

Ingredients to Gather

2 tablespoons (30 mL) extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, diced (about 2 cups/280 g)
3 to 4 large garlic cloves, minced
3 cups (400 g) peeled, seeded, and diced butternut squash*
1 large sweet potato (450 g), peeled and diced (2 1/2 cups/340 g)*
3 cups (750 mL) low-sodium vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce/398 mL) can diced tomatoes
1 (14-ounce/398 mL) can light coconut milk
1/2 cup (100 g) dried red lentils, rinsed**
3 tablespoons (45 mL) tomato paste
1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more if you like heat
Fine sea salt, to taste (I use 1 1/2 teaspoons pink salt)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 teaspoons (15 mL) apple cider vinegar, or to taste
1 bunch chard, stemmed and finely chopped
Optional accompaniments:
Fresh cilantro or parsley, minced
Cooked rice
Garlic powder and chili powder

Directions to Follow

To a large pot, add the oil, onion, and garlic. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to medium and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion is softened.
Add the squash and sweet potato and stir to combine. Add a pinch of salt and continue sautéing for a few minutes longer.
Add the broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), coconut milk, lentils, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. (If you are spice-shy, feel free to add half the amount to start and increase from there after cooking, to taste.) Stir well to combine.
Increase heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, stir again, and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash and potato are fork-tender. Reduce the heat if necessary.
Add the apple cider vinegar to taste. Adjust the other seasonings if desired.
Optional step: Using a handheld immersion blender, blend the stew for only 2 to 3 seconds (any more and you’ll blend too much of the veggies). This thickens the broth.
Stir in the chard, and cook for another couple minutes until the greens are wilted.
Scoop some cooked rice onto the bottom of a bowl and then ladle the stew overtop. Garnish with minced cilantro or parsley and a good dusting of garlic and chili powder, if desired.

Wow! This sounds like one appetizing, stick-to-your ribs kind of stew! We love that this stew is both nutritious and delicious, as well as being inexpensive. It doesn't get much better than that!

Article Source: Oh She Glows