Hearty One-Pot Lentil Stew: The Cozy Dinner You’ve Been Craving
A hearty, healthy, one-pot vegan lentil stew packed with vegetables, Mediterranean spices, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a warming and satisfying weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups green lentils
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 russet potato, small diced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small zucchini squash, diced
- Kosher salt, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 ½ cups water or low-sodium broth
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (stems removed)
- Juice from half a lemon or lime
- Bread, for serving
Instructions
1. Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with water. Wash and soak for 10 minutes, then drain well and pick over for stones.
2. In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add chopped onion, carrot, celery, and potatoes. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
3. Add minced garlic and diced zucchini. Continue to saute for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.
4. Add the lentils, salt, pepper, coriander, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne. Toss to combine.
5. Stir in the diced tomatoes and water or broth. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender and lentils are cooked through. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in chopped parsley and lemon or lime juice.
8. Serve hot in bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite crusty bread.
Notes
French green (Puy) lentils hold their shape best and are ideal for this stew.
Optional: Add a touch more lemon or lime juice at the table for extra brightness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; flavors improve over time.
This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Great for meal prep — makes 6 generous servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 247.4
- Sugar: 6.6
- Sodium: 216.9
- Fat: 1.1
- Saturated Fat: 0.2
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 46.2
- Fiber: 18.1
- Protein: 15.4
- Cholesterol: 0
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/hearty-one-pot-lentil-stew/