Hearty Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A comforting, nutrient-rich stew featuring green lentils simmered with carrots, celery, tomatoes, and warming spices for a wholesome vegetarian meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, medium, diced carrots, diced celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 green lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped medium yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew has thickened.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hearty Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 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 Hearty Spiced Lentil and 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 rinsed green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Hearty Spiced Lentil and 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 Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 Hearty Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
