Carrying traditional camping cookware can add over 5 pounds to your pack, complicating your outdoor cooking experience. Eco-friendly camping cookware offers a lightweight and efficient alternative by utilizing biodegradable materials that simplify cleanup and lessen your environmental footprint.
This simple lentil stew is made directly in a biodegradable pot, meaning you can cook and serve all in one vessel. Packed with nutrition and flavor, this dish is perfect for a satisfying meal under the stars.
The Beauty of Biodegradable Cookware
For campers focused on sustainability, biodegradable pots priced at around $20 are an excellent choice, while seasoned backpackers seeking lightweight gear may prefer durable aluminum cookware. Each option caters to different needs, ensuring everyone can align their gear with their values.
Simple Lentil Stew in Biodegradable Pot Recipe
This lentil stew is a delicious and healthy one-pot meal, great for chilly camping nights.
Prep time 10 minutes | Cook time 25 minutes | Total 35 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a biodegradable pot over medium heat.
- Add 1 medium diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 2 minced cloves garlic, 2 diced carrots, and 1 diced bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add 1 cup rinsed lentils to the pot, stirring to combine.
- Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes.
- Season with 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Stir in 1 cup of fresh spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
This stew can be stored in the biodegradable pot for up to two days when refrigerated. If you’re expecting leftovers and want to save more space, consider transferring any extra stew into a sealed container. You can substitute the lentils with chickpeas if that’s what you have on hand, but be aware they will require longer cooking.
Nutrition (per serving) Calories 520 | Protein 34g | Carbs 18g | Fat 32g | Fiber 3g | Sodium 890mg
Nutrition is an estimate based on the ingredients above.
If that matters to you, our piece on best camping goes further.
See also our take on best camping cookware.