Lentil and Cabbage Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A thick, comforting stew of lentils and cabbage simmered with garlic and vinegar for a robust ancient flavor. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, finely chopped savoy cabbage, medium, minced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium minced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 2 cups finely chopped savoy cabbage, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes until lentils are tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove lid and stir in 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to let flavors concentrate, then taste and adjust salt if needed. The stew should be thick enough to coat a spoon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lentil and Cabbage 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 Lentil and Cabbage 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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lentil and Cabbage 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 Lentil and Cabbage 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.

What goes well with Lentil and Cabbage Stew?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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