Vegetarian Traditional Spanish Lentejas (Lentil Stew)

Warm, comforting, and packed with nutritious ingredients, this Vegetarian Traditional Spanish Lentejas (Lentil Stew) is a hearty, plant-based take on a beloved classic. Featuring tender brown or green lentils simmered with aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and red bell pepper, this stew is infused with bold Spanish flavors thanks to smoky paprika, earthy cumin, and a hint of garlic. Potatoes and tomato add rich texture and depth, while a bay leaf lends a subtle herbal note to this one-pot wonder. Ready in just an hour, it’s a budget-friendly, high-protein meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or meal prep. Serve it piping hot with crusty bread or a crisp green salad for a taste of authentic Spanish comfort food in your home.

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams brown or green lentils
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrot
• 2 celery stalk
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 3 large garlic cloves
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 large tomato
• 1 liter vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water and set aside.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Finely chop the onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves. Add the vegetables and garlic to the pot and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until softened.

Step 4

Peel and dice the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Coarsely grate the tomato, discarding the skin.

Step 5

Add the grated tomato, potatoes, paprika, cumin, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.

Step 6

Add the rinsed lentils to the pot and pour in the vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the lentils and potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

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

Step 9

Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 10

Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2434.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1641.7

Total Fat 41.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 6663.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 269.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 59.1g	0%
Total Sugars 57.9g
Protein 64.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 460.0mg	0%
Iron 24.8mg	0%
Potassium 6638.2mg	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: 21.6%

Protein: 15.0%

Carbs: 63.3%