One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew
A hearty and flavorful stew combining spicy chorizo sausage with tender lentils and aromatic spices for a comforting weeknight meal. This spanish-inspired one pot (gluten free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, large, diced carrot for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 8 oz, casing removed and crumbled chorizo sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, rinsed dried brown lentils
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 8 oz crumbled chorizo sausage and cook for 5 minutes until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk to the pot. Sauté with the chorizo for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until spices are aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed dried brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and 3 cups chicken broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top before serving warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew 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 Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew?
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 Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew 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 Spicy Chorizo and Lentil Stew gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
