Hearty Red Lentil and Vegetable Stew

yellow onion (or any allium: leek, shallot, etc), diced

garlic, chopped

small-medium russet potato (or any potato, sweet potato as well)

crimini mushrooms, quartered or sliced (optional)

carrots, sliced

stalks celery, sliced (optional, but adds flavor and nutrition)

kale leaves, de-stemmed and chopped (any other cooking green will work as well)

medium-large tomato (or a few plum tomatoes) chopped

red lentils, uncooked, do not need to soak

vegetable broth (1 carton)

nutritional yeast

balsamic vinegar, to taste

salt, or taste

black pepper

(other optional add-ins: broccoli, cauliflower, peas, cabbage, kohlrabi, corn, beans, smoked paprika, fresh herbs, etc)