Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach
A warming lentil stew made with half the usual lentils and double the spinach for a lighter, nutrient-packed meal with bold warming spices. This middle eastern-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs red lentils, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup red lentils and 3 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Half-Portioned Spiced Lentil Stew with Spinach 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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