Half-Spiced Lentil Stew
A hearty stew with lentils, carrots, and a warm blend of spices, cooked in half the usual amount of liquid for a thicker consistency. This middle eastern-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs rinsed lentils, (8 oz), diced carrots, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 lentils
- 1/2 lb (8 oz), diced carrots
- 1/2 onion
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1 cup coconut milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 an onion (diced) until translucent, then add 1/2 lb carrots (diced) and cook 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp coriander. Add 1 cup lentils, 1 cup coconut milk, and 2 cups water. Simmer 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve with a side of crusty bread and a dollop of plain yogurt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Spiced Lentil Stew take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Half-Spiced Lentil 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 rinsed lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Spiced Lentil 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 Half-Spiced Lentil 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 Half-Spiced Lentil Stew 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to one pot dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
