Turmeric-Lentil and Potato Stew
A comforting stew with brown lentils, potatoes, and warming turmeric-spiced tomatoes, simmered to perfection. This ethiopian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs brown lentils, potatoes, onion 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. 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 (200g) brown lentils
- 2 medium (300g) potatoes
- 1 medium (150g) onion
- 1 cup (120g) carrots
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup (200g) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups (720ml) water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup (200g) brown lentils under cold water until water runs clear. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 medium chopped onion (150g) and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup diced carrots (120g), 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp turmeric, and 1 tsp cumin, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 200g rinsed lentils, 2 medium diced potatoes (300g), 1 cup diced tomatoes (200g), and 3 cups water (720ml). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to thicken slightly. Serve hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Turmeric-Lentil and Potato 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 Turmeric-Lentil and Potato 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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Turmeric-Lentil and Potato 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 Turmeric-Lentil and Potato 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 Turmeric-Lentil and Potato 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.
