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 vegetarian-inspired 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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
