Crock Pot Lentil Orzo Stew
Prep Time: 12 mins
Cook Time: 3 hours
Servings: Around 6
Recipe type: dinner, stew, soup, side dish
Keywords: crock pot, slow cooker, vegan, lentil, orzo, stew, chickpea,
Author: Kat Coolahan, recipe adapted from Veggie Inspired
Ingredients:
β 1 leek cleaned, diced, sautΓ©ed
β 2 celery stalks, diced
β 1 carrot, diced
β 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen broccoli (optional)
β 1 cup dried red lentils
β 1 can chickpeas (15oz), rinsed and drained (or 2 cups cooked dry chickpeas)
β 2 cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes (15oz)
β 4 cups vegetable broth (more if needed)
β 2 tsp smoked paprika
β 1 tsp dried thyme
β Β½ tsp cumin
β Β½ tsp herbs de Provence
β Β½ tsp tarragon
β ΒΌ tsp dried sage
β Β½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
β 1 tsp salt & 3 dashes of pepper (or to taste)
β ΒΎ cup orzo
β 1 bunch of kale de-stemmed and chopped (roughly 3 cups chopped) can also sub baby spinach
Directions:
1. Dice leeks, celery, and carrot and sautΓ© over medium heat until softened (around 5 mins)
2. Add the diced vegetables to the crock pot, along with all other ingredients EXCEPT the orzo and kale (or spinach). Add more vegetable broth (or water) if needed to bring the liquid level to cover all ingredients.
3. Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours or until the lentils are soft and able to be crushed with a spoon
4. Add the orzo and chopped kale (or spinach), stir, and cook another 30 minutes or until the orzo is tender
5. Can serve either as a soup/stew (with optional bread to accompany) or over a bed of fresh greens
6. Optional toppings: sprinkle top with coconut manna and hemp seeds