Detroit-Inspired Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty vegetarian stew featuring lentils and seasonal vegetables, simmered with warming regional spices for a nourishing and flavorful meal. This american-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, large, diced yellow onion, medium, diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 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, rinsed brown lentils
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley for brightness. Serve hot with crusty bread or over rice for a comforting vegetarian dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Detroit-Inspired Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Detroit-Inspired Spiced 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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Detroit-Inspired Spiced 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 Detroit-Inspired Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 Detroit-Inspired Spiced 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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