Slow-Simmered Root Vegetable & Lentil Stew
A deeply savory, one-pot stew featuring tender root vegetables and earthy lentils, perfect for chilly evenings. This french-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, chicken broth, (14 oz) diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrots
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes parsnips
- 1 cup, rinsed brown lentils
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a slow cooker over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until fragrant and onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add 2 diced carrots, 2 diced parsnips, 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender and flavors are melded. Stir before serving to ensure even distribution of lentils.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Root Vegetable & Lentil Stew take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 Root Vegetable & Lentil 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-Simmered Root Vegetable & Lentil 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-Simmered Root Vegetable & Lentil 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.
What goes well with Slow-Simmered Root Vegetable & Lentil Stew?
French slow cooker 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my in-laws, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! The slow-simmered root veggies and lentils were a perfect balance of earthy and hearty.
- ★★★★★
This stew was a lifesaver on a rainy Tuesday! The root vegetables melted into the lentils perfectly, and the slow cooking made it so rich. My kids even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★☆
A bit too mild for my taste—added extra thyme and smoked paprika to jazz it up. Still, the slow-cooker ease is unbeatable.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
