🥕 Cozy Carrot & Lentil Stew for Hormone Harmony

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A nourishing, one-pot dinner to support fertility, hormone balance, and your nervous system

Hey friends 🌧️

It’s a bit chilly tonight in San Francisco, which always makes me crave something warm and grounding bubbling on the stove.

This Carrot & Lentil Stew was a first for me. But it's cozy, protein-packed, and brimming with hormone-supportive nutrients like zinc, iron, and antioxidants — all stars when it comes to nourishing your body for egg freezing, cycle syncing, or simply supporting your reproductive health long-term. Also, it came together quickly and was delicious.

🌿 Why It’s Fertility-Friendly

Lentils → High in plant protein, iron, and zinc to support healthy ovulation and egg quality
Carrots → Rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that supports hormone metabolism
Garlic + Onions → Anti-inflammatory + great for gut health, which impacts hormone balance
Olive oil → Healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar + promote hormone production
Cumin + Turmeric → Warming spices that aid digestion and lower inflammation

🌿 Fertility-Boosting Lentil & Carrot Stew

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (anti-inflammatory!)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (warming + circulation support)

  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)

  • 3–4 large carrots, peeled and chopped

  • 1 cup red or green lentils

  • 4 cups vegetable broth (or bone broth for extra nutrients)

  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (for vitamin C + iron absorption)

  • A handful of spinach or chopped kale (optional for folate boost)

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft (about 5 minutes).

  2. Stir in garlic, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and red pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add carrots, lentils, broth, and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir and bring to a boil.

  4. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 25 minutes, or until lentils and carrots are tender.

  5. Stir in greens, and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

  6. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or cilantro. Optional: Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra protein and choline.

🥄 Meal Prep Tip
This stew keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes beautifully. I like to portion it into individual containers for easy lunches or quick dinners when I’m low on energy.

💛 Final Thoughts
This stew is a quiet kind of care — the kind that doesn’t ask much from you but gives so much in return. Whether you're prepping your body for egg freezing or just need a simple, nourishing bowl of comfort, I hope this one wraps you up in warmth and steadies you for the week ahead.

Let me know if you make it — I’d love to see your cozy bowls!

With love and simmering spoons,
Stephanie | @egypsy_