Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Hearty lentils simmered with a medley of vegetables and warming spices for a comforting vegan stew. This mediterranean-inspired mediterranean (vegan) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, medium, diced carrot, diced 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 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 rinsed brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Lentil and 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 Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew 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.
Is Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
