Tomato and Lentil Stew
A comforting one-pot meal where earthy lentils meet sweet tomatoes, carrots, and celery. Flavored with herbs instead of salt, this hearty stew is both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a chilly evening.
For 4 servings
3 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté the vegetables
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- d.Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the stew
- b.Stir in the rinsed lentils, the can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), and the low-sodium vegetable broth.
- c.Add the bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil.
- d.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Remove the pot from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
- c.Stir in the apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and the optional salt.
- d.Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Don't skip the vinegar! It brightens up all the flavors and adds a tangy note that compensates for the lack of salt.
- 2For a thicker stew, you can mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving.
- 3This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers along with the carrots and celery.
- 5Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
This recipe is already naturally vegan and plant-based. Ensure your vegetable broth is certified vegan.
high proteinHigh protein
To boost the protein content, stir in a cup of cooked quinoa or a handful of chopped spinach at the end of cooking.
quickQuick
To save time, use pre-chopped mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery mix) available in most grocery stores.
kid friendlyKid friendly
For a smoother texture that kids might prefer, use an immersion blender to partially blend the stew before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Lentils and vegetables provide a high amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Excellent Source of Plant-Based Protein
Lentils are a fantastic source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, making this a satisfying meal for vegetarians and vegans.
Heart-Healthy
This low-sodium recipe, combined with fiber and potassium from the vegetables, helps support cardiovascular health and manage blood pressure.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
Tomatoes, carrots, and celery provide essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants that support the immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's very healthy. It's packed with plant-based protein, fiber from lentils and vegetables, and essential vitamins. This low-sodium version is particularly good for heart health and managing blood pressure.