One-Pot Harvest Vegetable Lentil Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-22 · Updated 2026-05-22

A hearty, nutritious stew combining seasonal vegetables and lentils, perfect for a comforting meal that fights hunger and supports community wellness. This Mediterranean-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, carrots 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

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 medium, diced carrots
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup, rinsed dried brown lentils
• 14 oz diced tomatoes (canned)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, sauté for 6-8 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Stir in 2 fresh thyme sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp seasoned salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove thyme sprigs and bay leaf. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh finish.