Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed stew with lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes, seasoned with warm spices and finished with a squeeze of lemon. This middle eastern-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, diced carrots, stalks, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 3.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and 1/2 tsp turmeric. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 1 cup tomato puree, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh parsley and the juice of 1 lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt/pepper if needed.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot, optionally with a side of crusty bread or quinoa for added texture.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable 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 rinsed green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable 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 Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

Is Best Healthy Lentil and Vegetable Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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