Spiced Tomato and Lentil Stew

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

A hearty, aromatic stew combining slow-cooked lentils, tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for a cozy meal or as a base for other dishes. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs dry lentils, medium, diced tomatoes, large, diced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp oil over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and 1 tbsp grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup dry lentils, 4 diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 can coconut milk and cook for another 10 minutes until the stew thickens. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot with rice or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Tomato and Lentil 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 Tomato and 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 dry lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Tomato and 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 Tomato and Lentil 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 Tomato and 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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