Gluten-Free Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-27 · Updated 2026-04-27

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 recipe (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.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium diced yellow onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 2 medium diced carrots
• 2 medium peeled and cubed (1-inch) sweet potatoes
• 1 cup rinsed dried brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped for garnish fresh cilantro

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 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.