Noelle’s Lentil Stew and Herby Dumplings

Delicious, cheap, easy vegan stew which is warming, hearty and very satisfying.  More real food from my kitchen that won’t make you feel bloated or fat.

This one came from my own head when we had absolutely no money and lots of time!  We were vegan (ahead of our time  haha).  And of course there was no internet – it was 1986.  We lived in N Scotland in a tiny cottage. We couldn’t afford to put the heating on …. I
remember being incredibly cold… and this meal did the trick! 

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 1 stick celery
• Large clove garlic
• 1 thumb sized piece root ginger
• 1 tablespoon plain flour
• 2 large carrots – sliced
• 1 small parsnip – small cubed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 pint vegetable stock – maybe a little more
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 3 large tablespoons tomato puree
• 1-2 tablespoons soya sauce
• 6oz red lentils – washed in a sieve
• Plenty seasoning

DUMPLINGS

• 4oz self raising flour
• 3oz vegetable suet
• Pinch cinnamon
• Teaspoon dried parsley
• Plenty salt & pepper

Heat oven to 170 C

Thinly chop the onion & celery and cook gently in a large oven proof casserole.    When soft add the crushed garlic and grated root ginger and cook a further 2 mins.

Add the plain flour and stir for a minute.  Then add the carrots, parsnip, bay leaves, hot stock, tinned tomatoes, puree, and soya sauce.   Stir until well mixed, then cover and cook for 5 mins. 

Then add the lentils.   Stir well. Cover and heat gently.  Then place in oven.  Cook for 30 mins, until the veg is started to go become tender.  Taste test it and add more seasoning if it needs it.

* CHECK IT REGULARLY.  ADD MORE STOCK IF IT GETS TOO THICK.

Meanwhile make the dumplings. 

Mix up all the ingredients with a little water. Should just hold together as a mushy lump!

I make 4.  Dollop them onto the top of the stew when its softened.

Turn the oven up to 200 C

Cook a further 30-50 mins until those dumplings are browning and the veggies are super soft.

Serve with green veg and boiled potatoes.  Its lovely with sprouts. 

If you intend to try this, please REPLY with “yum”.  I’d love that!!