General-Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty and warming vegetarian stew infused with a balanced blend of general spices and tender lentils, perfect for a wholesome meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, carrots, celery stalks 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, rinsed brown lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
- Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Bring the stew to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, remove the bay leaf, and stir well.
- Step 6: Serve the stew hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does General-Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew 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 General-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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in General-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 General-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 General-Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The general spice blend was amazing. I added extra veggies and it was delicious.
- ★★★★★
My kids loved it! Vegan and healthy, what more could I ask for?
- ★★★★★
So easy to make and packed with flavor. Will be making this every week!
