I Need a Recipe

Easy • Vegetarian

Cozy Weeknight Lentil Stew

This comforting and hearty lentil stew is packed with vegetables and savory flavors, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
35 min
Servings
6
Level
Easy
Cozy Weeknight Lentil Stew

Sometimes, all you need is a warm, nourishing bowl of something truly delicious. This Cozy Weeknight Lentil Stew hits all the right notes – it’s hearty, packed with good-for-you ingredients, and comes together with minimal effort. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 7-8 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the rinsed lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

  4. Step 4

    Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  5. Step 5

    Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

Tips

  • Add a bay leaf to the stew while simmering for an extra layer of flavor, removing it before serving.
  • For a richer stew, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the garlic.

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.