Detroit-Inspired Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A hearty vegetarian stew featuring lentils and seasonal vegetables, simmered with warming regional spices for a nourishing and flavorful meal. This American-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs brown lentils, yellow onion, 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

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.