One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew

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

A comforting, economical stew simmered with garden vegetables and lentils for a hearty meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs green lentils, medium, diced onion, medium, 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

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 medium diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender. Discard bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable 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 Lentil and 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 Lentil and 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 Lentil and 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 Lentil and Vegetable 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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