One-Pot Lentil & Grain Stew
A cozy, rustic stew where earthy lentils and chewy farro simmer together in one pot with aromatic vegetables and herbs. The grains release their starch, creating a naturally creamy broth without any cream. Perfect for chilly evenings and meal prep.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prep the vegetables and rinse the lentils and farro.
1.Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even cubes.2.Mince the garlic cloves.3.Rinse the brown lentils and farro under cold water; drain well. - saute · ~8 min
Sauté the aromatic vegetables.
1.Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.2.Add onion, carrot, and celery; cook until softened (5-7 min).3.Stir in garlic, tomato paste, cumin powder, and smoked paprika; cook until fragrant (1 min).TIPDon't rush softening the vegetables — this step builds the stew's savory base. - simmer · ~35 min
Simmer the stew until tender.
1.Add lentils, farro, water, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.2.Bring to a boil, then lower heat to maintain a gentle simmer.3.Cover and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring once halfway, until lentils and farro are tender but not mushy.TIPPearled farro cooks faster than whole — check at 25 minutes to avoid overcooking. - mix · ~5 min
Finish with lemon juice and adjust seasoning.
1.Remove bay leaves from the pot.2.Stir in lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.3.Let the stew rest off the heat for 5 minutes — it will thicken slightly. - garnish
Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For even cooking, dice the onion, carrot, and celery into uniform 1/2-inch cubes.
- 2Brown the tomato paste for an extra minute to deepen the stew's umami and color.
- 3Stir the stew halfway through simmering to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom.
- 4Use pearled farro for a faster cook time; whole farro needs an additional 20 minutes.
- 5Let the stew rest off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking so it naturally thickens.
- 6To store, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It thickens as it sits.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Already vegan as written — no changes needed. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of tahini or coconut cream at the end.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 diced potato and 1 cup of chopped kale during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra texture and nutrients.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of water or vegetable broth for sautéing to reduce fat content.
spicySpicy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced serrano chile with the garlic for a warming kick.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Plant Protein
Lentils and farro together provide a complete protein profile, making this stew a satisfying meatless meal.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Both lentils and farro are excellent sources of insoluble and soluble fiber, which support digestion and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Carrots, celery, and smoked paprika contribute a variety of antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body.
Low in Saturated Fat
With just 1 tablespoon of olive oil and no dairy, this stew is naturally low in saturated fat and heart-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but green lentils hold their shape better and may need 5–10 extra minutes of simmering. Brown lentils will break down a bit more, creating a thicker stew.
