Slow-Simmered Egyptian Lentil and Tomato Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-05 · Updated 2026-06-05

A hearty, spiced lentil stew simmered slowly with fresh tomatoes and warm Egyptian spices, perfect for a nourishing meal. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, olive oil, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup of red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 14 oz of canned diced tomatoes, 3 cups of water, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Step 5: Add the rinsed lentils to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for brightness and freshness before serving.