Healthy Dinner Lentil Vegetable Stew

Name: Healthy Dinner Lentil Vegetable Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 1 zucchini, diced; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp cumin; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Highlighted under: Balanced Planning

I absolutely love making this Healthy Dinner Lentil Vegetable Stew when I’m in the mood for something hearty yet nutritious. Packed with vibrant vegetables and protein-rich lentils, it not only satisfies my hunger but also warms my soul. The best part is how simple it is to prepare; everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. This stew is versatile, meaning I can swap in whatever veggies I have on hand, making it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.

Created by

Francesca Holt

Last updated on 2026-01-13T06:27:35.928Z

When I first made this stew, I was surprised by how the lentils became wonderfully tender and absorbed all the delicious flavors of the spices. I often sauté the vegetables before adding them to the pot, which enhances their sweetness and brings out a depth of flavor that truly makes this dish special. It’s one of those recipes where the smell wafting through the kitchen is just as comforting as the meal itself.

I learned that using a variety of vegetables adds both nutrition and color, making this stew not just healthy but also visually appealing. My favorite combination includes carrots, zucchini, and spinach, but I often vary this based on what's in season or available in my fridge. This adaptability has made it a staple in our household.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Filled with protein-rich lentils and fiber-packed vegetables
Comforting yet healthy, perfect for chilly evenings
Easily customizable with seasonal or leftover produce

Ingredient Spotlight: Lentils

Lentils not only form the backbone of this stew but also bring a rich, earthy flavor and a hearty texture. They are packed with protein, providing a perfect source for plant-based meals. When rinsing lentils, make sure to remove any debris or small stones; this ensures a cleaner dish. Since lentils don't require any pre-soaking, they easily slide into cook time, making your prep even quicker.

Cooking Techniques for Optimal Flavor

The sautéing process at the beginning is crucial for layering flavors in this stew. By cooking the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened and slightly caramelized, you will infuse the stew with a deep, savory base. Aim for a translucent look for the onions, which indicates they are ready to support the subsequent flavors of the lentils and spices.

Customizing Your Stew

One of the best features of this stew is its versatility. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have. For instance, sweet potatoes or green beans can replace zucchini or carrots. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly; denser vegetables like sweet potatoes might need a few extra minutes to become tender.

To further enhance your stew, consider adding spices like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for heat. If you're looking to dial up the nutrition, toss in some chopped kale or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Lentils

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped

Herbs & Seasoning

1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp cumin
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Liquid Ingredients

4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Add Lentils and Spices

Stir in the rinsed lentils, garlic, thyme, cumin, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes or until lentils are tender.

Finish with Spinach

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy Your Stew!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, try sprinkling red pepper flakes on top before serving. This stew also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This lentil vegetable stew is a great option for meal prep. Once cooled, it stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully, so consider doubling the recipe. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

For an easier reheating process, you can also portion the stew into single-serving containers. This way, lunch is ready to go when you are! If you find the stew thickens in storage, just adjust the consistency while reheating with a little vegetable broth or water.

Serving Suggestions

This stew is hearty enough to be a standalone dish, but I often serve it alongside crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese can add a creamy and salty dimension if you’re not keeping it strictly vegan.

For an extra burst of freshness, consider garnishing each bowl with a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving. This will brighten the overall flavor profile, making each spoonful a delightful experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, you can use red or yellow lentils; however, adjust the cooking time as they cook faster.

→ Is this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! It’s entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians.

→ How long does this stew last in the fridge?

It will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?

Yes! Just sauté the vegetables first, then combine them with the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker and set it on low for 6-8 hours.