Spiced Lentil Stew with Roasted Vegetables

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

A warming lentil stew infused with evening spices and roasted root vegetables, delivering a comforting and hearty vegan meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, large, diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrot, 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 large diced carrot and 1 medium diced sweet potato (both in 1/2-inch cubes) with 2 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While vegetables roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils and 4 cups vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the roasted vegetables, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Lentil Stew with Roasted Vegetables 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 Stew with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Stew with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Stew with Roasted Vegetables 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 Stew with Roasted Vegetables?

Mediterranean vegan 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.

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