One-Pot Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest
A hearty, vegetable-packed stew simmered to tender perfection with a bright citrus finish, ideal for chilly evenings. This mediterranean-inspired one pot ready in about 45 minutes pairs green lentils, large, diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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 green lentils
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1 large, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add 1 diced onion, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and soft, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils and 2 cups diced sweet potatoes.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook uncovered for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest 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 Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest?
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 Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest?
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 Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew with Lemon Zest?
Mediterranean one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
