Slow Cooker Curried Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-28 · Updated 2026-04-28

Hearty vegetarian stew with lentils, root vegetables, and warming curry spices slow-simmered to develop rich flavors. This Indian-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 440 minutes, pairs dry brown lentils, carrot, potato for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 1/2 cups dry brown lentils
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 medium potato
• 1 large onion
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

The slow cooker we’d leave this in all day → Best Slow Cookers in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and dice 2 medium carrots and 2 medium potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes; finely chop 1 large onion. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 large chopped onion, sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Transfer sautéed aromatics to a slow cooker. Add 1 1/2 cups dry brown lentils, diced carrots and potatoes, 2 tbsp curry powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 4 cups vegetable broth, and 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juices.
3. Step 3: Stir well to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until lentils and vegetables are tender and stew has thickened.
4. Step 4: Just before serving, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and adjust seasoning to taste.