One-Pot Spiced Lentil Stew with Tomatoes and Spinach

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A hearty and warming lentil stew simmered with aromatic spices, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant spinach for a nutritious vegetarian meal. This Mediterranean-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 40 minutes, pairs red lentils, olive oil, 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup red lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Step 4: Stir in 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper; cook for another 5 minutes until spinach wilts and lentils are tender.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.