Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

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

A warmly spiced, one-pot stew with tender lentils, sweet potatoes, and aromatic cumin-coriander notes. This soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs green lentils, sweet potatoes, carrots 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 1 diced celery stalk, and 1 diced red bell pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp cumin, and 1 tbsp coriander, and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 2 cups diced sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes), 1 cup diced carrots, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato 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.

Is Cumin-Coriander Lentil and Sweet Potato 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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