One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Cilantro
A wholesome one-pot stew featuring hearty lentils, vibrant vegetables, and warming spices, finished with fresh cilantro for a globally-inspired comfort meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, medium, diced 1/2-inch carrots, diced 1/2-inch celery stalks 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, rinsed green lentils
- 2 medium, diced 1/2-inch carrots
- 2, diced 1/2-inch celery stalks
- 1 large, diced 1/2-inch yellow onion
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp 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 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges begin to brown.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup canned diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 4: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness.
- Step 5: Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or rice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Cilantro 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 Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Cilantro?
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 rinsed green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Cilantro?
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 Vegetable Stew with Cilantro 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 Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Cilantro?
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.
