Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nourishing stew featuring nutty farro and protein-rich lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables and herbs for a dish rooted in culinary history. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs farro, green lentils, vegetable broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks; cook 8-10 minutes until softened and onions are golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed farro, 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover.
  4. Step 4: Simmer 30 minutes until farro and lentils are tender. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped kale and cook 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep farro from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Ancient Grain and Lentil Stew?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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