Winter Lentil and Kale Stew
A hearty, nutrient-packed stew combining tender lentils and crisp kale in a savory broth. This comfort food-inspired soups ready in about 70 minutes pairs Lentils, bunch Kale, medium Onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 6, 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 Lentils
- 1 bunch Kale
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1 medium Carrots
- 1 stalk Celery
- 1 can (14 oz) Tomatoes
- 4 cups Vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Thyme
- 1 Bay leaf
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add lentils, tomatoes, broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in chopped kale and cook for 5 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Winter Lentil and Kale Stew take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 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 Winter Lentil and Kale 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 Winter Lentil and Kale 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 Winter Lentil and Kale Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
What goes well with Winter Lentil and Kale Stew?
Comfort Food soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
