Dark Chocolate Lentil and Beet Stew

Why This Recipe

Deep, velvety beet-lentil stew with earthy sweetness, bright berry tang, and a luxurious dark chocolate finish — romantic, sophisticated, and surprisingly meaty-tasting, like a vegetarian chocolate-covered cherry in savory form.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp mushroom powder (optional, for extra umami)
• ¾ cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 medium beets, peeled and diced (~1½ cups; ½ inch dice)
• 1 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1½ cup vegetable broth
• ¾ cup dry red wine (or more broth)
• 1 oz (about 2 tbsp) dark chocolate (70%+ cocoa), chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep: Dice onion, beets; mince garlic. Drain/rinse beans. Rinse lentils, quinoa.
2. Sauté: Olive oil + onion—3–4 min until soft. Add garlic—30–60 seconds.
3. Bloom: Add thyme. Cook 1 min. Stir constantly.
4. Deglaze: Add broth. Stir well, scraping bottom clean.
5. Combine: Add lentils, quinoa, tomatoes with juice, beets, berries, wine, tomato paste, mushroom powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well. Cancel sauté.
6. Cook: Seal → High pressure 12 min → Natural release 10 min → Vent
7. Adjust: Stir. Add salt, pepper to taste. Add thickener or sauté 2-3 minutes if needed.

Macros per 1½-cup serving (approximate)

• Calories: 340 kcals
• Protein: 26g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 13g

Pair with 6 Triscuits for 29g protein, 16g fiber, and 460 kcals.

Pro Tips

• Start with ½ tsp salt and 4 grinds of pepper.
• Substitute canned whole beets for fresh beets unavailable.
• If cooking for single meal, consider bumping spices 50%.
• Triscuit test: If stew runs off a cracker, it needs thickening. Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water, switch to Sauté, stir in slurry, simmer 2–3 minutes.

Storage

• Fridge → 5 days.
• Freezer → 3 months.

Reheat

90 seconds in microwave. Day-one fresh.