Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables
A hearty, warming lentil stew featuring earthy root vegetables that evoke the cozy shelter atmosphere. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium, diced carrot, medium, diced parsnip 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 brown lentils
- 2 medium, diced carrot
- 1 medium, diced parsnip
- 2, chopped celery stalk
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 2 diced medium carrots, 1 diced medium parsnip, and 2 chopped celery stalks, cooking for another 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf, mixing well to coat the lentils and vegetables.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30-35 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, remove bay leaf, and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables?
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 Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables 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 Underground Bunker Lentil Stew with Root Vegetables 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.
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