Gluten-Free Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

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

A hearty and warming stew combining protein-rich lentils and sweet potatoes, thickened naturally without gluten, perfect for a cozy meal. This mediterranean-inspired gluten free (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 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 until shimmering, then add 1 diced medium yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 diced medium carrots, cooking for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 peeled and cubed medium sweet potatoes (1-inch cubes), 1 cup rinsed dried brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices.
  4. Step 4: Season the stew with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stirring well to combine.
  5. Step 5: Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the stew has thickened.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then ladle into bowls and garnish each with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gluten-Free Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Gluten-Free 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free 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 Gluten-Free 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 Gluten-Free Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, 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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