Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Syrian-inspired stew combining smoky freekeh grain and tender lentils, flavored with warming spices and brightened by preserved lemon and fresh herbs. This middle eastern-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs green lentils, freekeh, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 Middle Eastern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 2 diced carrots, sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp ground allspice. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils and 1 cup freekeh to the pot, stirring to coat with the spices.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and freekeh are tender and stew thickens.
  5. Step 5: Stir in finely chopped rind of 1 small preserved lemon, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint. Serve warm with crusty bread or flatbread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon?

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 green lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon?

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 Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon 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 Spiced Lentil and Freekeh Stew with Preserved Lemon 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.

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