Slow-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme
A comforting, nutrient-rich stew featuring earthy lentils and sweet carrots simmered with aromatic herbs for a deeply flavorful weeknight meal. This mediterranean-inspired soups ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown lentils, vegetable broth, medium carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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 brown lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups kale
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried thyme, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant without browning.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 2 diced carrots. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until lentils and carrots are tender.
- Step 4: Add 2 cups chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme?
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-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme 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.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Lentil and Carrot Stew with Thyme?
Mediterranean soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved this stew! It was the perfect comfort food for a winter evening. My husband even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
The flavors were great, but the thyme was a bit too strong for my taste. I'll reduce it next time.
- ★★★★☆
My kids loved the carrots and lentils. Easy to make and so healthy!
