Spiced Winter Vegetable and Lentil Stew

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

A warming, hearty stew featuring root vegetables and lentils simmered with warming spices, ideal for cozy winter evenings. This Mediterranean-inspired Christmas recipe (vegan), ready in about 60 minutes, pairs dry brown lentils, carrots, parsnips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until spices release their aroma.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 diced medium carrots, 2 diced medium parsnips, and 1 cup dry brown lentils. Stir to combine with the spices and onion mixture.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and stew has thickened.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley right before serving to add a fresh note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Winter Vegetable and Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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 Winter Vegetable 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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Winter Vegetable 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 Winter Vegetable and 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 Winter Vegetable and Lentil 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.

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