Turmeric-Spiced Lentil Stew with Garlic and Lemon
A hearty vegetarian stew rich in turmeric and garlic, designed to support immune health and soothe cold symptoms. This Mediterranean-inspired soup recipe (vegetarian, anti-inflammatory), ready in about 50 minutes, pairs dry red lentils, onion, garlic cloves 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 dry red lentils
- 1 large, chopped onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 chopped large onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 2 tsp ground turmeric, and 1 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed dry red lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Enjoy warm for sustaining energy and immune support during cold season.
