Vegetarian One-Pot Lentil Stew

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-25 · Updated 2026-04-25

A comforting one-pot lentil stew packed with vegetables and spices, perfect for a nourishing family meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 minutes pairs green lentils, carrot, celery stalk 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 green lentils
• 1 large, diced carrot
• 1, diced celery stalk
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 3, minced garlic cloves
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion, 1 diced carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, and 4 cups vegetable broth. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving to brighten flavors.