Vegetarian Lentil Stew

Cozy up with this hearty and nutritious Vegetarian Lentil Stew, a one-pot wonder that's perfect for chilly evenings or meal prep. Packed with protein-rich lentils, tender carrots, celery, and potatoes, this stew is simmered to perfection in a flavorful vegetable broth infused with warm spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and thyme. A splash of lemon juice and fresh spinach add a vibrant finish, while the optional parsley garnish elevates each bowl with a touch of freshness. Ready in under an hour, this vegan-friendly, gluten-free recipe offers a comforting, wholesome meal that’s both filling and easy to make. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it over rice for a deliciously satisfying dinner.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion
• 4 large garlic cloves
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium celery stalks
• 1 medium potato
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (canned)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Finely dice the onion and garlic. Peel and chop the carrots and potato into bite-sized pieces. Slice the celery into thin pieces.

Step 3

Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 4

Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for another 3 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the potato, lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), bay leaf, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.

Step 7

Discard the bay leaf, then stir in the fresh spinach and lemon juice. Allow the spinach to wilt for 2-3 minutes.

Step 8

Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. It pairs perfectly with crusty bread or over a bed of rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2135.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1698.3

Total Fat 44.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5997.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 258.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 50.3g	0%
Total Sugars 40.6g
Protein 84.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 561.4mg	0%
Iron 26.0mg	0%
Potassium 5023.7mg	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: 22.4%

Protein: 19.1%

Carbs: 58.5%