Lemon Lentil Stew

Brighten up your dinner table with this hearty and flavorful Lemon Lentil Stew, a comforting plant-based dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Packed with protein-rich red lentils, vibrant carrots, and earthy spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, this one-pot wonder comes together in just 50 minutes. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest lend a zesty, refreshing finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the stew. Best served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of crusty bread or fluffy rice, this wholesome recipe is an easy weeknight meal that's nutritious, gluten-free, and brimming with seasonal ingredients. Perfect for meal prep or cozy family dinners!

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1.5 cups dry red lentils, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can canned diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed red lentils, vegetable broth, and canned diced tomatoes (including their juices). Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the stew thickens.

Step 6

If using baby spinach, stir it into the stew during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking until wilted.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or over rice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2693.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2156.4

Total Fat 46.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4835.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 341.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 67.6g	0%
Total Sugars 55.6g
Protein 115.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 743.2mg	0%
Iron 36.3mg	0%
Potassium 8093.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.6%

Protein: 20.6%

Carbs: 60.8%