Sun-Roasted Red Lentil Stew with Turmeric

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-03 · Updated 2026-04-03

Nutrient-packed red lentils simmered with turmeric, smoked paprika, and tomatoes, creating a vibrant, deeply satisfying stew that's perfect for chilly evenings. This Ethiopian-inspired vegetarian recipe (vegan, gluten-free), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs red lentils, smoked paprika, turmeric powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 275 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 red lentils
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 large onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp lime juice

The Dutch oven we’d braise this in → Best Dutch Ovens for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup red lentils under cold water until water runs clear, then drain. Dice 2 medium carrots and 2 celery stalks into 1/2-inch pieces, and dice 1 large onion into 1/4-inch cubes.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, add diced onion, and cook for 5 minutes until translucent and sweet, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
3. Step 3: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp turmeric, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant and oil becomes deeply colored, then add 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes reduce slightly.
4. Step 4: Stir in rinsed lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth, and diced carrots/celery. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lime juice and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.