One-Pot Root Vegetable and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-05 · Updated 2026-06-05

A hearty, warming stew featuring tender root vegetables and lentils infused with smoky paprika, perfect for cozy family meals. This Mediterranean-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs olive oil, yellow onion, 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrots
• 1 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes parsnip
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup, rinsed dried brown lentils
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, 1 diced parsnip, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed dried brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juices. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and the stew thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the flavors.