Spiced Lentil & Herb Stew
A warming, aromatic stew with earthy lentils and fresh herbs, perfect for cool evenings. Served with crusty bread for dipping. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs brown lentils, carrots, onion 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 brown lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrots
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion and 2 diced medium carrots, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup brown lentils, 1 can diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp chopped thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until lentils are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Lentil & Herb 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 Spiced Lentil & Herb 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 Spiced Lentil & Herb 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 & Herb 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.
What goes well with Spiced Lentil & Herb Stew?
Mediterranean vegetarian 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
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 35-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
