One-Pot Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil

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

A hearty one-pot vegetarian stew packed with earthy lentils, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, simmered to rich perfection. This italian-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs extra virgin 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 (14 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 5 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed dry brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1.5 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with black pepper and additional salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with crusty bread or a side salad for a nourishing vegetarian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil 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 One-Pot Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil?

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 Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil 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 Italian Lentil and Tomato Stew with Garlic and Basil vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, 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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