Peanut Lentil Stew

We are expecting record rainfall this weekend in VA. 💦🍁🍃💦Looking forward to getting cozy with my baby and husband and eating some heart and belly-warming stew.  This recipe full of different spices and flavors is easy to throw together in a crockpot and makes the house smell like fall. 🍲🍁

1 ½ C dried red lentils

3 small carrots, peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery, chopped

1 shallot

1 can garbanzo beans 

1 sweet potato, chopped

1-28 oz can crushed tomatoes

1-6 oz can tomato paste or 15 oz can tomato sauce 

4 gloves garlic, finely chopped

1 1/2 C peanut butter, unsalted, crunchy or smooth

2 C veggie broth

2 C water

1 T garam masala

1 T cardamom

1 t cinnamon

pink himalayan salt and black pepper, to taste

1. Combine all ingredients into crockpot and cook on high at least 5 hours. Add water if needed as day goes on. Add salt and pepper as needed, to taste.

2 .Serve plain or on top of quinoa, couscous, brown rice, bread, or corn bread.   Topping options: jalepeno cashew cream, fresh basil, and blue tortilla chips.