Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew
A hearty, warming lentil stew with earthy spices and fresh vegetables, ideal after a day on scenic trails. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, medium, diced carrot, diced celery stalks 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed green lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrot
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 1 medium, chopped yellow onion
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium chopped yellow onion, 2 diced medium carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Adjust seasoning if needed. Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 rinsed green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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 Trailside Spiced Lentil and Vegetable 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.
