One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs
A comforting, hearty stew combining red lentils with fresh tomatoes and warming spices, cooked all in one pot for simplicity. This middle eastern-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs red lentils, rinsed, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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 red lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium (about 1 cup) yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 14 oz can canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed red lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juice), and 3 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 4: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm with crusty bread or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs 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 Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs?
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 red lentils, rinsed from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs?
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 Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs 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 Spiced Lentil and Tomato Stew with Aromatic Herbs vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
