One-Pot Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach
A hearty, protein-packed stew simmered with tomatoes, fresh basil, and leafy greens for a satisfying weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian, high-protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, chicken broth, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, 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 brown lentils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 2 stalks, diced celery
- 1, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 cups spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion, 2 diced carrots, 2 diced celery stalks, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 cups spinach and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Cook uncovered for 3 minutes until spinach wilts and is heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach?
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 Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Tomato Basil Lentil Stew with Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, healthy and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Loved the simplicity and the flavors! My family devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but lentils took 45 minutes instead of 30. Slightly bland without extra salt.
