Indian-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Greens

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-04 · Updated 2026-08-04

A hearty, mildly spiced red lentil stew infused with turmeric, cumin, and fresh leafy greens. This Indian-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs red lentils, rinsed, water, 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 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

• 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
• 4 cups water
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp ground coriander, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup rinsed red lentils and 4 cups water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in 3 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook uncovered for 5 more minutes until spinach wilts and integrates.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro for brightness before serving warm.