Nerve-Calming Lentil & Veggie Stew

This is the kind of stew you start on a chilly afternoon and let simmer while you do something else — lentils, carrots, celery, and onion softening together into something that tastes like it took much longer than it did.

Turmeric and cumin bring warmth to the broth, and turmeric in particular is often included in mental-health-focused nutrition for its place among anti-inflammatory spices, though this bowl is meant as a comforting, plant-forward meal rather than a remedy. Stirring in spinach or kale at the end keeps the greens bright instead of overcooked, and a pot of this keeps well in the fridge for a few days if you want to make a double batch.