Savory Lentil Stew

Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, this Savory Lentil Stew is a comforting plant-based meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Combining protein-rich green or brown lentils with an aromatic blend of cumin, paprika, and thyme, this one-pot dish features sautéed onions, carrots, and celery for a classic base. Simmered in vegetable broth and enriched with the tang of diced tomatoes, it's a nutrient-dense stew that comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Optional additions like kale or spinach elevate its wholesome appeal, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness. Serve it with crusty bread or over rice for a satisfying, filling meal that’s vegan-friendly, packed with fiber, and utterly delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 stalks celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1 teaspoon 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, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions are translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed lentils, canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

Step 6

If using kale or spinach, stir it into the stew during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.

Step 7

Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8

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

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2079.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1220.4

Total Fat 52.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.2g
Cholesterol 8.5mg	0%
Sodium 5390.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 153.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 47.4g	0%
Total Sugars 43.7g
Protein 46.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 657.8mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 4838.0mg	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: 36.9%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 48.4%