Hearty Italian Beef and Lentil Stew: A Nourishing Meal for All Seasons

This hearty Italian Beef and Lentil Stew combines tender beef, nutrient-rich lentils, and a medley of vegetables for a rustic and satisfying meal. It’s simmered to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, making it a perfect dish for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. The nutritious lentils add a robust texture while soaking up the rich flavors of the beef and traditional Italian seasonings.

### Ingredients

For the Stew:- 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed and drained- 1 large onion, finely chopped- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced- 2 celery stalks, chopped- 3 cloves garlic, minced- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice- 4 cups beef broth- 1 cup water- 2 tbsp tomato paste- 1 tsp dried thyme- 1 tsp dried oregano- 1 bay leaf- Salt and pepper to taste- 2 tbsp olive oil

For Serving:- Fresh parsley, chopped- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)- Crusty bread

### Instructions

1. Sear the Beef:In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:In the same pot, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

3. Combine Ingredients:Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the dried lentils, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, water, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Simmer:Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let the stew simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the lentils and beef are tender, and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

5. Final Seasoning:Just before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf from the pot.

6. Serve:Ladle the hearty Italian beef and lentil stew into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Enjoy this nourishing and flavorful Italian beef and lentil stew that’s perfect for any time of the year!