One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable Stew

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

A nourishing, single-pot meal featuring earthy lentils and seasonal roots simmered in aromatic broth with fresh herbs. This american-inspired one pot (vegan) ready in about 50 minutes pairs green lentils, vegetable broth, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 315 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.

★ 4.4 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 315 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion diced and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 2 cloves garlic minced and 1 tsp dried rosemary, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 cup diced carrots, 1 cup diced parsnips, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and lentils are cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped kale and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes until kale wilts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable 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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable 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 One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable 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.

Is One-Pot Hearty Lentil and Root Vegetable Stew 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.

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