Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-08 · Updated 2026-05-08

Hearty lentils simmered with a medley of vegetables and warming spices for a comforting vegan stew. This Mediterranean recipe (vegan), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs brown lentils, carrot, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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, rinsed brown lentils
• 2 medium, diced carrot
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 1 large, diced onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks; sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until spices become fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juice, and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot; bring to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens; season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright finish.