One-Pot Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew with Spinach
Hearty, protein-packed stew simmered to perfection with lemon zest and fresh dill, ready in 35 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs brown lentils, chicken broth, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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
- 1 cup, rinsed brown lentils
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup, diced carrots
- 1/2 cup, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zest and 1 tbsp juice lemon
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 2 cups, packed spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 cup diced carrots, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups packed spinach until wilted and fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew with Spinach 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 Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon-Dill Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 with Spinach 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 with Spinach high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
