Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs
A hearty vegetarian stew that combines Australian bush tomatoes and earthy lentils, accented by native herbs for a rich, warming meal. This australian-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, rinsed, olive oil, medium onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup bush tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon myrtle leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh native thyme leaves
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion, 2 diced medium carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 1/2 cup chopped bush tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, then add 1 tbsp chopped fresh lemon myrtle leaves and 1 tsp fresh native thyme leaves. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked grains.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs 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 Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs?
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 brown lentils, rinsed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs?
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 Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs 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.
Is Bush Tomato and Lentil Stew with Native Herbs 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.
