One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Thyme
A hearty, affordable stew packed with protein-rich lentils and seasonal vegetables, simmered to perfection with a hint of thyme. This global-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs brown lentils, onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 6, 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, diced onion
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp, chopped thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped parsley
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup brown lentils, 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Add 4 cups vegetable broth and 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, then stir in 1 tsp chopped thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and vegetables are cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley, then taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Thyme 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 with Thyme?
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 Thyme?
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 Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Thyme 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my mother-in-law’s birthday—she said it tasted like her abuela’s version. 10/10.
- ★★★★★
My vegan friends were blown away by the depth of flavor. Even my meat-eating husband asked for the recipe!
- ★★★★★
The best one-pot stew ever. I’ve already doubled the batch for freezer meals. Zero cleanup, all comfort.
