Rustic Winter Stew over Polenta

For the Stew:

ONE

1 small onion, diced medium

TWO

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 t dried thyme

1/2 t celery seed

black pepper, to taste

THREE

1 t salt

1/2 cup green lentils

1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped

2 lbs tomatoes, chopped (canned ok)

4 cups vegetable broth

FOUR

1 lb small yukon gold potatoes, sliced in half (if using large ones, cut into about 1 inch pieces)

2 bay leaves

3 leeks, chopped

For the polenta (if powder):

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 t salt

2 T olive oil

1 cup dry polenta

STEW

Preheat a 4 quart pot over medium heat. Sautee the onion in water, along with a dash of salt, covered, over low heat, for about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, thyme, celery seed, pepper and salt and sautee a minute more. Add TWO. Cover pot and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, until the lentils are slightly softened (now is a good time to start the polenta). Add FOUR. Lower heat to simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 to 30 more minutes, until the potatoes are fork tender and the lentils are soft. Let sit for 10 minutes or so to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over polenta, garnished with fresh herbs, if you like.

POLENTA

Bring the vegetable broth and salt to a boil in a 2 quart pot. Add oil. Lower heat to simmer. Add the polenta in a slow steady stream, stirring constantly with a whisk. Whisk for about 5 minutes, until the polenta is thickened. Keeping the heat low, cover and let cook for 20 more minutes or so, stirring occasionally.

Recipe from Post Punk Kitchen