Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
A comforting slow cooker stew with lentils, sweet potatoes, and warm Moroccan spices simmered for hours to develop rich flavors. This african-inspired slow cooker (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 435 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, large, diced carrot, large, chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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, rinsed brown lentils
- 2 medium (about 1 lb), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped (for garnish) fresh cilantro
- for serving lemon wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 1 1/2 cups rinsed brown lentils, 2 medium peeled and diced sweet potatoes, 1 large diced carrot, 1 large chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp black pepper until well mixed.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4 hours until lentils and vegetables are tender and stew is thickened.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and lemon wedges to squeeze over.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew take to make?
Total time is about 435 minutes (15 min prep + 420 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 Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato 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 Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew 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 Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Sweet Potato 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.
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