Lentil stew

[TxGypsy]

This is very economical to make and makes tons. &nbsp;This is my favorite soup and it is so simple! &nbsp;I normally make it with my parabolic solar cooker, but it takes about the same amount of time on a stove top too...it takes about an hour. &nbsp;<br><br>1 pound of lentils<br>3 carrots<br>4 or 5 stalks of celery<br>1 onion<br>olive oil<br>Oregano<br>Salt and pepper<br>1 small can of tomato paste<br>1 cup of small pasta(elbows, ditalini, etc.)<br><br>In a large pot combine: lentils, carrots, celery, onion, tomato paste and enough water to cook the lentils. &nbsp;You may need to add more water during cooking. &nbsp;Add oregano to taste. &nbsp;I usually use a fairly well rounded teaspoon. &nbsp;Add olive oil to taste...several tablespoons usually. &nbsp;Cook for 30 minutes at a fast simmer. &nbsp;Add salt and pepper to taste and add pasta. &nbsp;Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.<br><br>Edited to add: &nbsp;This could be made with dehydrated onion and dehydrated celery and it would be great for those times when you aren't going to be near a grocery store for a while.

 

[highdesertranger]

thanks tx gypsy I will try this sounds good.&nbsp; this sounds like one of those recipes were other things could be added.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[TxGypsy]

Try it once as it is written. &nbsp;It seems like it would need to be tweaked a bit, but it is wonderful as it is.<br><br>I'm currently stuck staying in a motel for a couple of days and having to eat out. &nbsp;I'd give anything if I could make some of this. &nbsp;The food is awful and wayy over priced.

 

[bobbert]

<p>-here's a dumb question...</p><p>do the lentils need to be soaked overnite, before adding to the stew?</p><p>-thnx in advance...<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br></p>

 

[TxGypsy]

That's not at all a dumb question! &nbsp;No they do not need to be pre-soaked. &nbsp;You can if you want to, but that is one of the great things about lentils, they cook quickly. &nbsp;

 

[vagari]

I eat lentils a lot. They are cheap, very good for you and don't need soaking like other legumes. I make rice with lentils.