Turmeric-Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-06-30

A hearty lentil stew rich with turmeric and mixed vegetables to nourish and support recovery from cold symptoms. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe (gluten free), ready in about 45 minutes, pairs red lentils, carrot, celery stalks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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, rinsed red lentils
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1-inch piece, minced fresh ginger
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• for serving lemon wedges

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1-inch minced fresh ginger to the pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp ground turmeric and 1 tsp ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add 1 large diced carrot, 2 diced celery stalks, 1 cup rinsed red lentils, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
5. Step 5: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
6. Step 6: Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze over each bowl for added brightness and vitamin C to support immune health.