Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed stew with tender lentils, carrots, and spinach, simmered in a rich tomato-based broth. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs lentils, carrots, celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 diced carrots, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 200g lentils. Stir for 2 minutes, then add 2 tbsp tomato paste and 600ml vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 25 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 100g spinach and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Vegan Lentil and Vegetable 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 lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Lentil and Vegetable 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 Vegan Lentil and Vegetable 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 Vegan Lentil and Vegetable Stew 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.

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