bung it all in vegetable/lentil/bean stew

[Beenleigh]

How do I give it a bit of uumph?
I was vege for years, and don;t eat a lot of meat now, but most of the stews I make are now started off with a meat of some kind, normally bacon or chorizo, which gives the stew a great flavour. I have a (financially motivated) request from OH for vege stews. I've made one today, and it's just missing something. Is that special something bacon, or am I missing a trick?
Be very grateful for any ideas/recipes.
x

I find that making them spicy helps. I've some lovely smoked paprika that gives a sort of barbecue/chorizo flavour. Coriander (fresh) is also good - but not in the same stew!

Dried chilli flakes and paprika would be nice together.

Or cumin seeds and turmeric and mustard seeds for next time - add them when you fry up the veggies at the start.

I did it! I'd already made the stew when I posted, and after reading replies, put in a load of smoked paprika and chilli flakes, and it's absolutely delicious! Thanks!