Vegetarian Lentil and Percolated Vegetable Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-20 · Updated 2026-05-20

A hearty stew featuring lentils and a medley of vegetables simmered slowly to mimic the deep infusion of water through perked soil. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, large, diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrot, diced celery stalks 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 brown lentils
• 1 large, diced into 1/2-inch cubes carrot
• 2, diced celery stalks
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped, for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 1 large diced carrot, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 bay leaf. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
4. Step 4: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove bay leaf.
5. Step 5: Ladle stew into bowls and garnish each with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavors, reminiscent of nutrient-rich, well-percolated soil nourishing plants.