Love this recipe? Save it to Pinterest before you forget!

As the weather starts to cool down, I find myself craving warm, comforting bowls of goodness. One of my favorite cold-weather staples is a hearty lentil and cabbage stew, infused with the pungency of garlic and the brightness of fresh herbs. This batch cooking lentil and cabbage stew with garlic and herbs is a recipe I've perfected over the years, and it never fails to hit the spot. I created this recipe as a way to nourish my body and soul during the chilly months, and I'm excited to share it with you. There's something special about a big pot of stew simmering away on the stovetop, filling the kitchen with its savory aroma. It's a recipe that's perfect for a cozy night in, and it's also a great way to meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you're a busy professional or a busy parent, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your household. I remember making this stew for the first time on a crisp autumn evening, and being blown away by the depth of flavor that the combination of ingredients produced. The lentils and cabbage provide a satisfying base, while the garlic and herbs add a burst of freshness and depth. It's a recipe that's both comforting and nourishing, and it's perfect for anyone looking to warm up on a chilly day.

Why You'll Love This batch cooking lentil and cabbage stew with garlic and herbs

Hearty and Satisfying: This stew is packed with protein-rich lentils and fiber-rich cabbage, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
Easy to Make: This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, and can be made in under an hour.
Customizable: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and add your own favorite spices and herbs to make the recipe your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
Nourishing: This recipe is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins, making it a great option for a healthy meal.
Cost-Effective: This recipe is budget-friendly and can be made with affordable ingredients.
Flavorful: The combination of garlic, herbs, and spices in this recipe creates a depth of flavor that's sure to impress.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stew is a great option for meal prep, as it can be portioned out and reheated throughout the week.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredients for batch cooking lentil and cabbage stew with garlic and herbs

The key ingredients in this recipe are lentils, cabbage, garlic, and herbs. The lentils provide a boost of protein and fiber, while the cabbage adds a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness. The garlic and herbs add a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. When selecting ingredients, be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options. For the lentils, look for ones that are labeled as "green" or "brown," as they have a more robust flavor than red or yellow lentils. For the cabbage, choose a firm, dense head with crisp leaves. When it comes to the garlic, be sure to use fresh cloves, as they have a more vibrant flavor than pre-minced garlic. Finally, for the herbs, choose fresh options like parsley, thyme, or rosemary, as they add a bright, freshness to the dish.

How to Make batch cooking lentil and cabbage stew with garlic and herbs

Heat the Oil:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Be sure to use a high-quality oil with a high smoke point, as it will help to prevent the oil from burning.

Sauté the Garlic:

Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be sure to stir constantly, as garlic can burn quickly.

Add the Cabbage:

Add 1 small head of cabbage, shredded, to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until it begins to soften. Be sure to stir occasionally, as the cabbage can burn if it's not stirred.

Add the Lentils:

Add 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils to the pot, along with 4 cups of vegetable broth and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender.

Season to Taste:

Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. Be sure to taste the stew as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the stew hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tips for Perfect Results

Use High-Quality Ingredients:

The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor and texture of your stew. Be sure to choose fresh, high-quality options for the best results.

Don't Overcook the Lentils:

Lentils can become mushy and unappetizing if they're overcooked. Be sure to cook them until they're just tender, then remove them from the heat.

Add Aromatics Last:

Aromatics like garlic and herbs can lose their flavor if they're cooked for too long. Be sure to add them towards the end of the cooking time for the best results.

Experiment with Spices:

This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add your favorite spices and herbs to make the recipe your own.

Make it a Meal:

This stew is a great base for a meal. Serve it with some crusty bread or over rice for a filling and satisfying meal.

Freeze for Later:

This stew freezes beautifully. Be sure to portion it out into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Lentils:
Fix: Be sure to cook the lentils until they're just tender, then remove them from the heat. If you overcook them, they can become mushy and unappetizing.
Not Searing the Garlic:
Fix: Be sure to sear the garlic until it's fragrant and lightly browned. This will help to bring out the flavor of the garlic and add depth to the stew.
Not Adding Enough Liquid:
Fix: Be sure to add enough liquid to the stew to cover the ingredients. If the stew becomes too thick, you can always add a bit more broth or water to thin it out.
Not Seasoning to Taste:
Fix: Be sure to season the stew to taste as you go. This will help to ensure that the flavors are balanced and the stew is delicious.

Variations & Substitutions

Spicy Version:

Add some heat to your stew by adding a diced jalapeno or serrano pepper. You can also add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick.

Vegan Version:

Make this stew vegan by substituting the vegetable broth with a vegan broth and omitting any animal products. You can also add some vegan protein sources like tofu or tempeh to make it more substantial.

Gluten-Free Version:

Make this stew gluten-free by substituting the vegetable broth with a gluten-free broth and omitting any gluten-containing ingredients. You can also add some gluten-free grains like quinoa or brown rice to make it more substantial.

Low-Sodium Version:

Make this stew low-sodium by substituting the vegetable broth with a low-sodium broth and omitting any high-sodium ingredients. You can also add some salt-free seasoning blends to give it flavor without adding salt.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Room Temp:

This stew can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Be sure to keep it in a covered container and stir it occasionally to prevent it from becoming too thick.

Refrigerator:

This stew can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it in a covered container and stir it occasionally to prevent it from becoming too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Freezer:

This stew can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to portion it out into individual containers and label them with the date and contents. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes! This stew freezes beautifully. Be sure to portion it out into individual containers and freeze for up to 3 months. You can also reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's hot and steaming.

Is this recipe vegan?

No, this recipe is not vegan as it contains vegetable broth that may contain animal products. However, you can easily make it vegan by substituting the vegetable broth with a vegan broth and omitting any animal products.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes! This recipe is a great base for experimentation. Feel free to add your favorite spices, herbs, and ingredients to make the recipe your own. Some ideas include adding diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or cooked sausage.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, this recipe is not gluten-free as it contains vegetable broth that may contain gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the vegetable broth with a gluten-free broth and omitting any gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! This recipe can be made in a slow cooker. Simply brown the garlic and cook the lentils, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.