One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, smoky stew combining earthy lentils and tender sweet potatoes, simmered with warming spices for a comforting meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, olive oil, medium, finely chopped 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring until the spices are fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 2 diced medium sweet potatoes (1-inch cubes), and 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring the stew to a boil over high heat.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils and sweet potatoes are tender and the stew thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew?

Mediterranean vegan like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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