Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika
A hearty lentil stew featuring a blend of four vegetables and smoky paprika, simmered to tender perfection. This mediterranean ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown lentils, carrot, celery stalk 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 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
- 1 large, diced 1/2-inch carrot
- 1, diced 1/2-inch celery stalk
- 1, diced 1/2-inch yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, diced 1/2-inch zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh parsley
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 until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tsp smoked paprika and 1 tsp cumin powder and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 diced large carrot, 1 diced celery stalk, 1 diced yellow bell pepper, and 1 diced medium zucchini; stir to combine.
- Step 5: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, stirring well.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika?
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 Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika 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.
What goes well with Quaternary Lentil and Vegetable Stew with Smoky Paprika?
Mediterranean mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
