One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Budget-Friendly Spices
A hearty, comforting lentil stew packed with affordable vegetables and warming spices, made entirely in one pot for easy cleanup. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium carrot, medium yellow onion 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown lentils
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 1 stalk celery stalk
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (canned)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 medium carrot, 1 medium yellow onion, and 1 celery stalk into small 1/4-inch pieces. Rinse 1 cup brown lentils under cold water.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1 tsp paprika and cook for 1 minute until spices bloom.
- Step 4: Add the rinsed lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Budget-Friendly Spices 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 Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Budget-Friendly Spices?
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 Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Budget-Friendly Spices?
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 with Budget-Friendly Spices 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 with Budget-Friendly Spices vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
