Hearty Lentil & Root Vegetable Stew
A nutrient-packed vegetarian stew simmered with earthy lentils, colorful root vegetables, and warming spices for a comforting bowl of goodness. This one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, carrots, parsnips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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 (200g), rinsed brown lentils
- 2 medium (200g), chopped into 1/2-inch cubes carrots
- 2 medium (200g), chopped into 1/2-inch cubes parsnips
- 1 large (200g), diced into 1/2-inch cubes potatoes
- 1 medium (150g), finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz / 400g), undrained diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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 diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until translucent and slightly golden around the edges.
- Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add carrots, parsnips, and potatoes; cook for 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Step 3: Add rinsed lentils, dried thyme, dried rosemary, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir to combine.
- Step 4: Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juice), bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Step 6: Uncover, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, and cook for 2 more minutes to let flavors meld. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Lentil & Root Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Hearty Lentil & Root 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 Hearty Lentil & Root 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 Hearty Lentil & Root Vegetable Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Hearty Lentil & Root Vegetable 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
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this hearty are incredible.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
