Turmeric-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots
A vibrant, protein-packed stew of red lentils simmered with turmeric, carrots, and fresh lemon, ideal for weeknight dinners. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian (vegan) ready in about 37 minutes pairs rinsed red lentils, large, finely chopped onion, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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, rinsed red lentils
- 1 large, finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp, grated ginger
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small, diced carrot
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden.
- Step 2: Stir in grated ginger and 1 tsp ground turmeric, cooking for 1 minute until aromatically fragrant.
- Step 3: Add rinsed lentils, diced carrot, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
- Step 4: Uncover and simmer for 5 more minutes until carrots are tender and lentils are broken down.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and salt to taste. Simmer uncovered for 2 minutes to meld flavors.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Turmeric-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (10 min prep + 27 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-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots?
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 red lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Turmeric-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots?
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-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots 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-Spiced Red Lentil Stew with Carrots vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
