Lentil Stew with Spinach and Potatoes

Time: About 30 minutes

Yield: 2 servings (easily scaled)

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 cups canned vegetable broth
1 cup lentils, rinsed, picked over
8 ounces red-skinned potatoes, cut into ½-inch pieces
1 lemon
6 ounces torn fresh spinach leaves (about 8 cups)
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ cup chopped fresh mint
Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Heat olive oil in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Add vegetable broth and lentils; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add potatoes; cook uncovered until potatoes and lentils are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, grate 1/2 teaspoon peel from lemon; squeeze enough juice from lemon to measure 2 tablespoons. Add lemon peel, lemon juice, spinach and cayenne to stew. Cover and simmer stew until spinach wilts and is cooked through, about 2 minutes. Mix in mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Spoon stew into large soup bowls. Sprinkle feta cheese over, if desired.


Notes

Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before serving.

Adapted from Bon Appetit, May 1995


Tags: soups-stews-chili