One-Pot Lentil & Spinach Stew
A hearty, protein-packed stew simmered with lentils, spinach, and tomatoes for a weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (high-protein, whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs brown lentils, chicken broth, (14 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Finely chop 1 medium onion and 3 garlic cloves, then add to pot. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup brown lentils, 1 cup diced carrots, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and carrots are soft.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 more minutes until wilted. Adjust salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lentil & Spinach Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Lentil & Spinach 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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lentil & Spinach 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 & Spinach Stew 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 & Spinach Stew high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy and delicious. Made it for a weeknight dinner and everyone loved it.
- ★★★★★
This was a hit with my family! The lentils were perfectly cooked and the spinach added a nice touch.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So simple and healthy. The Mediterranean flavors came through perfectly.
