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Cozy Lentils with Fluffy Dumplings

cozy lentils with fluffy dumplings - featured image

A comforting lentil stew with soft, fluffy dumplings that soak up the savory broth, perfect for cozy nights and easy homemade meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (200g) brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 23 fresh thyme sprigs
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup (120ml) cold milk (dairy or plant-based)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften and onion is translucent.
  2. Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  3. Add rinsed lentils and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until lentils are tender but hold their shape.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf.
  5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold milk, stirring just until dough forms. Do not overmix.
  6. Using two spoons, gently drop spoonfuls of dumpling dough onto the surface of simmering lentils. Cover pot tightly and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove pot from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while dumplings cook to ensure they stay fluffy. If dumplings spread too much, chill dough briefly before dropping. Use fresh baking powder for best rise. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Vegan versions can use plant-based milk and butter substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: lentils, dumplings, stew, comfort food, easy recipe, homemade, vegetarian, cozy meal