Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable Stew
A hearty, nutrient-packed stew inspired by the dedication of social work professionals, featuring earthy lentils and seasonal vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, stalks, finely chopped celery, large, minced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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 cup brown lentils
- 2 medium, diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrots
- 2 stalks, finely chopped celery
- 1 large, minced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 bay leaf
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cups packed spinach
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large minced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced celery stalks, and 2 medium diced carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 tsp dried thyme, and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 3 cups packed spinach, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 more minutes until spinach wilts and the stew thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Remove bay leaves before serving. The stew should have a rich, cohesive texture with tender lentils and vegetables.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable 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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable 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 Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable 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 Social Work Scholar's Lentil & Vegetable Stew vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 35-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
