Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty lentil stew simmered with fresh Mediterranean herbs and vegetables for a comforting, regional-inspired dish. This Mediterranean-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs green 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions turn translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes (with juices), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 bay leaf.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Remove the bay leaf and season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb Stew take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb 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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb 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 Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb 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.

What goes well with Rustic Mediterranean Lentil and Herb Stew?

Mediterranean vegan 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.

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