Tomato and Feta Braised Mediterranean Lentils

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-08 · Updated 2026-05-08

Hearty lentils slowly braised in a rich tomato sauce with crumbled feta and fresh herbs for a warming vegetarian Mediterranean main dish. This greek-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, mediterranean) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, rinsed, olive oil, medium yellow onion, diced 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.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils, rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 large carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery stalk, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced large carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove bay leaf. Stir in 4 oz crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Adjust seasoning as desired.
6. Step 6: Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying vegetarian meal.