Name: Lentil and Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 medium onion – finely diced; 1 large celery stalk – chopped into small pieces; 2 medium potatoes – cut into 1-inch cubes (approx. 3 heaping cups); 2 large carrots – sliced into thick rounds; 10 small brown button mushrooms – halved (optional); ½ tablespoon dried sage – ground or finely crushed; ½ tablespoon dried rosemary – ground or finely crushed; 1 vegetable bouillon cube – or 2 cups vegetable broth (see notes); 4 cups water – adjust as needed for desired thickness; 1 cup uncooked red lentils – soaked for 1–2 hours for quicker cooking (optional); 2 packed cups broccoli florets – cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ tablespoon Bragg's liquid aminos or soy sauce – gluten-free if preferred; 1 tightly packed cup leafy greens – such as spinach (collard greens, or kale, thinly sliced (optional)); Salt and black pepper – to taste; Fresh parsley – for optional garnish

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This Easy Vegetable Stew with Lentils is a wholesome, plant-based comfort dish that’s both nourishing and incredibly simple to prepare.

Packed with fiber-rich vegetables, hearty lentils, and nutrient-dense greens, it offers a balanced meal that supports digestion, keeps you full longer, and delivers a steady release of energy.

The red lentils provide a generous amount of plant-based protein (9g per serving) while remaining low in fat and virtually free of saturated fats, making this stew a heart-healthy choice.

With a cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy households.

Plus, it’s versatile enough for meal prep, stores well for up to four days, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables.

Whether served alone or with bread or rice, this stew is a satisfying, nutrient-packed dish that fits seamlessly into a healthy, everyday eating routine.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results

Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Ideal for one-pot meals, this heavy-duty pot distributes heat evenly, allowing lentils and vegetables to cook perfectly without sticking. A kitchen workhorse for soups, stews, and braised dishes.

OXO Good Grips Wooden Spoon

Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware, this durable spoon ensures even mixing of ingredients, preventing lentils from clumping and veggies from sticking. A must-have for any home cook.

Cuisinart Chef’s Classic 8-Inch Chef Knife

Essential for precise chopping of onions, carrots, and potatoes, this knife makes prep work faster and safer. A reliable, sharp blade elevates everyday cooking.

Joseph Joseph Chop2Pot Cutting Board

A foldable, space-saving board that allows you to chop and transfer veggies to the pot without mess. A practical, time-saving tool for efficient cooking.

Pyrex 4-Cup Measuring Cup

Ideal for accurately measuring water and broth, ensuring the stew’s consistency is perfect every time. Also versatile for baking and other recipes.

Jessica T. Brown

Lentil and Vegetable Stew

A hearty, fiber-rich vegetable stew made with red lentils, potatoes, carrots, and greens, simmered in a savory herb-infused broth. Quick, vegan, and perfect for meal prepping, this dish delivers plant-based protein and essential nutrients in under 30 minutes

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 medium onion – finely diced
1 large celery stalk – chopped into small pieces
2 medium potatoes – cut into 1-inch cubes approx. 3 heaping cups
2 large carrots – sliced into thick rounds
10 small brown button mushrooms – halved optional
½ tablespoon dried sage – ground or finely crushed
½ tablespoon dried rosemary – ground or finely crushed
1 vegetable bouillon cube – or 2 cups vegetable broth see notes
4 cups water – adjust as needed for desired thickness
1 cup uncooked red lentils – soaked for 1–2 hours for quicker cooking optional
2 packed cups broccoli florets – cut into bite-sized pieces
½ tablespoon Bragg’s liquid aminos or soy sauce – gluten-free if preferred
1 tightly packed cup leafy greens – such as spinach collard greens, or kale, thinly sliced (optional)
Salt and black pepper – to taste
Fresh parsley – for optional garnish

Equipment

1 Dutch Oven or Large Pot (6-quart capacity)
1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula
1 Chef’s Knife
1 Cutting Board
1 Measuring Cup (4-cup capacity)

Method

Build the Flavor Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 2–3 tablespoons of water over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and slightly translucent. If the onion starts to stick, splash in a little extra water to loosen it
Add the Core Vegetables and Seasonings: Toss in the celery, potato cubes, carrot slices, and mushrooms (if using). Sprinkle the dried sage and rosemary over the vegetables, stirring well to coat them in the herbs and allow the flavors to bloom.
Simmer with Lentils and Broth: Crumble the vegetable bouillon cube into the pot, then pour in 4 cups of water. Add the rinsed lentils, stirring to combine everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pot. The potatoes should just begin to soften.
Cook the Broccoli and Thicken the Stew: Add the broccoli florets to the pot. Continue cooking for another 8–10 minutes, uncovered this time, until the lentils have broken down into a creamy consistency and the broccoli is tender yet bright green. Stir occasionally to keep everything well-mixed.
Final Seasoning and Greens: Stir in Bragg’s liquid aminos or soy sauce, adjusting salt and black pepper to taste. If using leafy greens, add them in now, cooking just long enough for them to wilt (about 1–2 minutes).
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the thick, hearty stew into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or a side of rice for an extra-filling meal.

Notes

Celery Alternative: Swap for leek or omit entirely if preferred.
Potato Swap: Sweet potatoes or butternut squash add a different flavor and more natural sweetness.
Vegetable Variations: Substitute carrots or mushrooms with zucchini, parsnips, or cauliflower for a different texture profile.
Using Canned Lentils: If you prefer pre-cooked lentils, skip the early simmering step and add them with the broccoli to avoid overcooking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
Consistency: For a thinner stew, add more water or vegetable broth during cooking. For a thicker texture, simmer uncovered a bit longer.

Chef’s Secrets for a Flavorful Stew

The secret to making this vegetable lentil stew truly stand out lies in building layers of flavor from the start.

Begin by sautéing your onions thoroughly—this step develops a subtle sweetness that balances the earthiness of the lentils.

Toasting your dried herbs with the vegetables before adding liquid enhances their aroma and infuses every bite with warmth and depth.

Soaking your red lentils beforehand can also help them cook faster and break down into a creamy base, making the stew naturally thick without added thickeners.

For a richer flavor, replace some of the water with vegetable broth or add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end for brightness.

Always taste and adjust the seasoning in the final moments to ensure a perfectly balanced dish.

Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion

This stew is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it alongside warm crusty bread or artisan rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth.

For a heartier meal, ladle the stew over fluffy rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes.

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make excellent companions, adding freshness and texture to your plate.

To elevate presentation, garnish with chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy family dinner or a casual lunch, this stew adapts easily to fit the occasion and satisfy different appetites.

Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor

This stew stores wonderfully, making it a convenient option for meal prepping. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its flavor.

When reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the consistency, as lentils tend to thicken over time. For

longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the vegetables from becoming mushy and to preserve their vibrant color.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Stew

1. Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Prepare it ahead, store it properly, and simply reheat before serving.

2. Do I need to soak red lentils?

Soaking is optional. Red lentils cook quickly without soaking, but pre-soaking for 1–2 hours can reduce cooking time and create an even creamier texture.

3. Can I make this stew oil-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally oil-free since it uses water for sautéing. If you prefer a richer mouthfeel, you can add a small drizzle of olive oil before serving.

4. What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?

You can easily replace carrots, mushrooms, or potatoes with zucchini, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or parsnips. This stew is highly customizable to your preferences or seasonal produce.

5. Can I cook this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt it for a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except leafy greens and cooking on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Stir in the greens just before serving.

This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by vancouverwithlove. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.