Hearty Lentil and Sardine Stew with Root Vegetables
A rustic and deeply nourishing stew that combines the earthy flavors of lentils and root vegetables with the powerful nutritional benefits of sardines. This budget-friendly, one-pot meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a comforting and healthy dinner.

*Image is for illustration purposes and may differ from the actual recipe (AI generated).
2100 calories
$3 per serving
$50 min
4 servings
budget-friendly, any cuisine
Ingredients
- 400g brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 2 cans of sardines in olive oil (approx. 240g total)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 liter vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- 2.Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3.Stir in the rinsed lentils, canned chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, and the bay leaf. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 4.Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- 5.Once lentils are cooked, drain the sardines and gently fold them into the stew. Let them heat through for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to break them up too much.
- 6.Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- 7.Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
75g
fat
220g
carbs
60g
fiber
125g
protein
Why this recipe
This recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, featuring sardines for omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, and lentils for exceptional plant-based protein and fiber. This combination supports heart health, brain function, and promotes stable blood sugar levels.