Belly-Soothing Lentil Stew with Bone Broth (for postpartum & luteal phase

A comforting, nourishing, easy-to-digest stew for tender days..

This Belly-Soothing Lentil Stew is a warm, grounding bowl made with chicken bone broth, sweet potato, spinach, and soft spices.
It’s gentle on digestion, full of minerals, and deeply comforting — perfect for days when you feel more sensitive, tired, bloated, or in need of something simple and nurturing.

The combination of slow-cooked lentils + sweet potato + warm broth gives this stew its soothing, calming effect.
It’s ideal for:

• the luteal phase (pre-menstrual days)

• postpartum (especially the first week after birth)

• stressful, cold, or emotional days

• easy meal prep or freezer cooking

Made with homemade chicken bone broth, this stew supports digestion, blood sugar, mineral levels, warmth, and recovery, without feeling heavy or overwhelming.

Why You’ll Love This Stew

1. Easy on digestion

2. Warm, soft, grounding texture

3. Full of minerals (magnesium, potassium, iron)

4. Supports stable energy and blood sugar

5. Uses bone broth for deeper nourishment

6. Freezer-friendly

7. Delicious for lunch the next day

How This Stew Supports Your Body

This lentil stew is designed to work with your body during phases when digestion slows and nourishment needs increase.

Lentils provide gentle plant protein and fibre that help stabilise blood sugar and prevent energy dips , especially helpful in the days before menstruation and after birth.

Sweet potato offers slow-release carbohydrates and beta-carotene, supporting hormone balance, steady energy, and emotional calm.

Spinach adds magnesium, potassium, and folate in a warm, easy-to-digest form.

Chicken bone broth delivers collagen, minerals, and amino acids that support gut health, tissue repair, hydration, and recovery, making this stew especially valuable in postpartum.

Together, these ingredients create a meal that feels grounding without heaviness, nourishing without stimulation.

When to Eat This Stew

This recipe is especially supportive when you are:

• in your luteal phase (the days before your period)

• in early postpartum, when warmth and softness matter most

• experiencing bloating, cravings, or fatigue

• needing blood sugar stability

• preparing meals ahead of time for busy or tender days

Belly-Soothing Lentil Stew Recipe

Rooted in Ayurvedic traditions, this warm drink isn’t only delicious but also heals postspartum

Prep time: 5 mins
Cook time: 30-40 mins
Total time: 45 mins

Servings: 4

Serves 4 • Freezer-friendly • Gentle on digestion

Ingredients

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

• 1 medium sweet potato (or pumpkin), diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 large carrot, sliced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp turmeric (optional)

• 4 cups chicken bone broth

• 1 handful spinach

• Olive oil

• Sea salt & black pepper

• 1–2 tbsp lemon juice

Optional to serve: tahini, Greek yogurt, or cooked rice

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a pot and gently sauté onion, garlic, and carrot until soft.

2. Add smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric and cook briefly until fragrant.

3. Stir in lentils, sweet potato, and bone broth.

4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until tender.

5. Add spinach and let it wilt.

6. Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.

Simple Variations

For the luteal phase

• Add extra broth for hydration and warmth

• Serve with rice if hunger is higher

• Add tahini for healthy fats and calcium

For postpartum

• Freeze in small portions ahead of birth

• Reheat gently on the stove

• Add a spoon of olive oil for nervous system support

• Eat slowly and calmly, digestion benefits from softness