Lentil Stew with Quinoa

Cozy up with a hearty bowl of Lentil Stew with Quinoa—a nourishing, one-pot meal that's packed with plant-based protein and vibrant vegetables. This wholesome recipe combines tender green or brown lentils, fluffy quinoa, and a medley of aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, and thyme, creating layers of flavor with minimal effort. Diced carrots, celery, and onions provide a classic mirepoix base, while baby spinach and a splash of fresh lemon juice brighten up the hearty broth. Ready in under an hour, this gluten-free and vegan-friendly stew is perfect for meal prep or a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, for a healthy, satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrot, peeled and diced
• 2 medium celery stalk, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 0.5 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, canned
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lentils, quinoa, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6

After 25 minutes, check the lentils to ensure they are tender. If needed, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes, until wilted.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 9

Ladle the stew into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2802.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1388.7

Total Fat 45.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6632.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 201.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.5g	0%
Total Sugars 50.1g
Protein 58.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 659.9mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 5640.5mg	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: 28.3%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 55.7%