One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Tomato Stew
A hearty vegetarian stew simmered with smoky spices and ripe tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs dry brown lentils, olive oil, medium, diced 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry brown lentils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup dry brown lentils under cold water and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 1 large diced carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until the spices release their aroma.
- Step 4: Add the rinsed lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and 3 cups vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
- Step 6: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Tomato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Tomato 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 dry brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Smoky Lentil and Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Smoky Lentil and Tomato Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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