One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils

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

Vibrant spring stew featuring tender asparagus, fresh peas, and protein-rich lentils simmered in savory broth. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoon olive oil, medium, diced onion, minced garlic 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup green lentils, rinsed, and 4 cups vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces, and 1 cup fresh peas, then cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until lentils are tender and vegetables are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils?

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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils?

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 One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils 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 One-Pot Asparagus and Pea Stew with Lentils?

Mediterranean one pot 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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