Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty lentil stew infused with warming northern spices and tender root vegetables, perfect for cold nights. This vegan-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs green lentils, medium carrots, diced, medium parsnips, diced 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 green lentils
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 medium parsnips, diced
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup green lentils under cold water until clear and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 diced carrots and 2 diced parsnips, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
- Step 5: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, add the rinsed lentils and 1 bay leaf, then bring to a boil.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and the stew thickens.
- Step 7: Remove the bay leaf, season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Northward Spiced Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
