Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty one-pot stew with lentils and seasonal vegetables, perfect for a nourishing and straightforward dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs dry brown lentils, carrot, celery stalks 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, rinsed dry brown lentils
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
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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 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup rinsed dry brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and 4 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then bring the stew to a boil.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (10 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 Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable 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 dry brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable 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 Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable 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 Simple Practice-Inspired One-Pot Lentil and Vegetable Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
