Lentil Stew with Vegetables and Meatballs

This is a really hearty and nutritious stew (delicious, too!)...and great for a chilly day like today. It's also an interesting way to utilize meatballs other than in tomato sauce. I seasoned it with cinnamon, cumin, allspice, smoked hot peppers, and lemon...this gave it a distinctively Middle Eastern flavor and the aromas permeating the house are enough to make your mouth water.

Here's a list of other ingredients (not in any particular order): onion, carrot, green pepper, rutabaga, cabbage, potato, tomato (canned), lentils, green beans, chicken broth, and garlic (always lots of garlic!). Now here's how I made it.