Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty lentil stew with warming spices and tender sweet potato chunks, symbolizing the engraved memorial bricks—layered, comforting, and deeply flavorful. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 2 diced carrots, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 2 cups peeled and diced sweet potato, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1.5 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes?

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 Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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 Memorial Brick Spiced Lentil Stew with Sweet Potatoes 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.

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