Easy Lentil Stew

Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, this Easy Lentil Stew is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like protein-packed lentils, tender vegetables, and vibrant spices, this one-pot wonder delivers both wholesome goodness and bold taste. The savory blend of cumin, paprika, and thyme infuses every spoonful with depth and warmth, while optional additions like baby spinach and fresh parsley add a burst of color and freshness. Ready in under an hour with just 15 minutes of prep time, this vegan-friendly stew is perfect for satisfying meals, meal prep, or chilly days when you crave something nourishing. Serve it with crusty bread or your favorite side salad, and savor every comforting bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

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, diced
• 2 medium celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juice)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional 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 and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the lentils, diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, bay leaf, ground cumin, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Check the lentils for tenderness. If needed, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are soft and fully cooked.

Step 7

Remove the bay leaf and discard it.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Serve the lentil stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2059.3 grams (2059.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1578

Total Fat 41.00g	53%
Saturated Fat 6.60g	33%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.50g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5633mg	245%
Total Carbohydrate 241.70g	88%
Dietary Fiber 49.70g	178%
Total Sugars 44.80g
Protein 80.70g	161%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 596mg	46%
Iron 26mg	146%
Potassium 5502mg	117%

*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: 22.2%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 58.3%