Description
This Slow Cooker Cabbage & Lentils Delight is a hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew that combines tender cabbage, protein-rich lentils, and flavorful spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, it simmers slowly to develop rich flavors while requiring minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 head Green Cabbage (Chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 medium Carrots (Diced or sliced)
- 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
Legumes
- 1 cup Brown or Green Lentils (Rinsed well)
Liquids
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (Low-sodium recommended)
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 leaves Bay Leaves (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Customize to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Customize to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (Optional)
Garnish
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (Chopped)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and prepare them accordingly to ensure smooth cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, rinse the lentils thoroughly, dice or slice the carrots, and finely chop the onion and garlic to prepare them for layering.
- Layer the ingredients: In the slow cooker, place the chopped cabbage at the base, then add the rinsed lentils, followed by the diced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic in layers.
- Add the broth: Pour the vegetable broth over the layered ingredients until everything is fully covered, which will help the lentils and vegetables to cook evenly.
- Season generously: Stir in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, bay leaves (if using), salt, black pepper, and tomato paste if desired. Mix slightly to distribute the spices without disturbing the layers too much.
- Cook to perfection: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the lentils and cabbage are tender and the flavors are well blended.
- Finish your dish: Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaves carefully and gently stir the stew to combine the ingredients. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of smoked paprika and cumin.
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Tomato paste adds a subtle richness but is optional depending on your taste.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For added protein, consider incorporating cooked sausage or chicken, though this will change the diet classification.
