Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Stew
This hearty one-pot lentil and vegetable stew is a comforting and nutritious meal, packed with tender green lentils, aromatic vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
For 6 servings
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and onion becomes translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, allowing it to deepen in color and flavor.
Add the rinsed dry green lentils, vegetable broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot. Stir well to combine everything.
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-45 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the stew has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the bay leaf. Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thick, add a splash more broth or water. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
Ladle the hot stew into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinsing Lentils: Always rinse dry lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any debris and improve digestibility. Soaking is not necessary for green lentils but can slightly reduce cooking time.
- 2Consistency Control: For a thicker stew, you can mash a portion of the cooked lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon, or remove about 1/2 cup, mash them, and return them to the pot.
- 3Flavor Depth: For an even richer flavor, consider adding a dash of soy sauce or tamari (for umami) during the simmering stage.
- 4Make Ahead: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It's excellent for meal prepping and reheats beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Greens Boost
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering until wilted.
Heartier VegetablesHeartier Vegetables
Add diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash along with the carrots and celery for a more substantial stew.
Smoky FlavorSmoky Flavor
For an extra smoky kick, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke (for vegan option) or a diced smoked vegan sausage during the simmering stage.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
Provides a significant amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety, making it a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Nutrient-Dense
Packed with vitamins and minerals from the variety of vegetables, including Vitamin A from carrots, Vitamin C, and various B vitamins and iron from lentils.
Frequently asked questions
While green lentils hold their shape best in stews, you can use brown lentils. Red lentils tend to break down more, creating a creamier, thicker consistency, which can also be delicious but will change the texture.
