Spiced Mediterranean Lentil Stew

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

A hearty, warming stew with lentils, root vegetables, and aromatic spices for a plant-based comfort dish. This mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs (brown or red, rinsed) lentils, medium (diced) carrots, stalk (diced) celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 200 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add lentils, tomatoes, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat.
  3. Step 3: Pour in water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 30-40 minutes, until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
  4. Step 4: Adjust seasoning, serve hot, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Mediterranean Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 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 Mediterranean Lentil 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 medium (diced) carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Mediterranean Lentil 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 Mediterranean Lentil Stew 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 Mediterranean Lentil Stew 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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