Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Stew Great for Weeknight Entertaining

This month was my turn to host book club. I was really excited because we have just moved into our house and I have missed hosting events. Since we meet on a weeknight, I decided to make a slow cooker meal that would be very easy to serve a large group and cut back on the stress of hosting on a weeknight. Slow cookers are so convenient, energy-efficient, and such a time saver!

Slow Cooker Lentil Stew
Serve with brown rice and top with grated cheese such as Parmesan or sharp cheddar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried lentils, washed and drained
  
• 4 carrots, diced
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1-14oz can tomato sauce
• 4 cups water (or 2 cups water, 2 cups broth)
  
• 2 tbs tomato paste
• 2 tsp crushed garlic
  
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp Penzey's Northwoods Fire Seasoning (or smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne)
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Preparation:

• Night before: Fill slow cooker with rinsed lentils, diced onions, carrots, and celery. You can also add dry seasonings if you want. Keep the slow cooker turned off.
  
• Morning: Add wet ingredients - tomato sauce, tomato paste, water/broth, and garlic. Turn on slow cooker on low for 8 hours.
  
• Evening: Stir lentil stew and add more prepared broth to your consistency preference. Keep warm. Prepare brown rice and serve.
  

Give it a try and let me know what you think!