Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil Stew

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

Hearty and comforting stew made with quinoa, lentils, tomatoes, and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy meal. This indian-inspired soups (vegetarian, whole30) ready in about 45 minutes pairs quinoa, green lentils, tomatoes 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tbsp oil over medium heat until translucent. Add 1 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp turmeric, stirring for 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup quinoa, 1 cup lentils, and 2 cups chopped tomatoes. Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until quinoa and lentils are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped spinach and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil 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 quinoa from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil 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 Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil 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 Vegetarian Quinoa and Lentil Stew vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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