beef + lentil stew

Ok, so important things first. Uhh, I know this is a post about beef and beans and such, but SERIOUSLY, I've got news. Have you ever tried dark chocolate smothered in peanut butter? Please do this. I'm sure you all have done this since the second you were born and I'm a little late to the trend train like usual. Anyways, it be good up in herrrrrr. Like combining chocolate and peanut butter could be bad. I laugh. And I'm getting all giddy and excited just TYPING about it! It's that great!

Or the hyperness could be due to the fact that I had two bricks of 85% chocolate. Yah, that might be it.

Thanks for listening to me talk about chocolate. Onto da beef! I guess this is kind of a big deal too. You GUYS, I'm posting a recipe that doesn't contain tons of sugar slash chocolate slash peanut butter {can you tell I love it?}. It's wonderful, isn't it? Wonderful, flavorful, and packed with veggies.

I think that I'm going to post more savory recipes on the blog. I mean, really, you're the ones who will decide because I'm only going to post what YOU like. But I really really really hope you like this. REALLY. I've gotten into cooking lately, especially the last weeks, since I haven't been able to bake.

Since I'm on this whole gluten free kick, one of the new-to-me foods is lentils. I really haven't had lentils before up until now! This dish is quick {that is, if you're not the one developing it}, flavorful, packed with good-for-you stuff, and I promise, everyone will love it!

My whole family loved it and they are the harshest critics and will tell me like it is. 

This dish is super versatile because you can use whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand. I just looked in the fridge and gathered whatever I laid my eyeballs on. I mean not EVERYTHING. Raspberry jam and cantaloupe would not make a good stew. But you get my gist.

So tell me- would you like to see more savory dishes?

beef + lentil stew

2 c. black lentils

1 lb. beef

2 tbsp. olive oil

1/2 tbsp. fresh garlic

1 can diced tomatoes

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 green bell pepper, diced

2 large carrots, thinly sliced

Salt + Pepper

Fresh Basil + Parsley, chopped {or any other herb- dried or fresh!}

Prepare lentils according to directions on package. Set aside in a large bowl. In a frying pan on high heat, cook the beef with olive oil and garlic until brown. Turn to medium-low heat. Add in diced tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. Simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes. Stir in prepared lentils and season to taste. Serve with cheese, tabasco sauce {my mom told me to include that}, avocado, or sour cream!