One-Pot Mediterranean Lentil Stew
A comforting, herb-infused stew simmered with tender vegetables and earthy lentils for a nourishing weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs dried green lentils, medium, diced onion, diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 dried green lentils
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2, diced carrot
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups, chopped kale
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks, cooking for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup dried green lentils, 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Step 4: Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 cups chopped kale and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until tender.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Mediterranean Lentil Stew 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 Mediterranean Lentil 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 dried green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Mediterranean Lentil 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 Mediterranean Lentil 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 Mediterranean Lentil 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
