One-Pot Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting, herb-infused stew made with green lentils and seasonal vegetables, simmered to tender perfection in a single pot. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs green lentils, diced onion, diced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Discard bay leaf, then stir in 1 lemon zested and juiced and 2 tbsp fresh dill. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Lemon-Dill Lentil 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 Lemon-Dill Lentil 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 Lemon-Dill Lentil 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 Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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