One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Turmeric
A nourishing one-pot stew of earthy lentils and mixed vegetables, brightened with warm turmeric and cumin spices. This one pot (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs dry green lentils, large carrot, diced, celery stalk, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 green lentils
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, canned
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 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 medium diced onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup dry green lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 cups chopped fresh spinach and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until spinach wilts and stew is heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Turmeric 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 Vegetable Stew with Turmeric?
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 green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Turmeric?
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 Turmeric 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 Vegetable Stew with Turmeric 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.
