Slow Cooker Moroccan-Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25

A hearty and aromatic stew filled with tender lentils, root vegetables, and warm Moroccan spices, slow-cooked to develop rich flavors. This african-inspired slow cooker (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 435 minutes pairs dry green lentils, medium carrots, peeled and diced, medium onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 green lentils
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large (about 1 1/2 cups) sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp harissa paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a slow cooker, combine 1 1/2 cups dry green lentils, 2 diced medium carrots, 1 large cubed sweet potato, 1 diced medium onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices), and 4 cups vegetable broth.
2. Step 2: Add 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until lentils are tender and vegetables are soft.
4. Step 4: Before serving, stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for brightness. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm with crusty bread or rice.