In our busy household, weeknight dinners need to be three things: quick, nutritious, and undeniably delicious. For years, I’ve been on the hunt for recipes that tick all those boxes, and let me tell you, this Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew has become an absolute champion. From the moment the fragrant aroma of sautéed onions and garlic fills the kitchen to the satisfyingly warm and comforting spoonfuls at the dinner table, this stew has won over even the pickiest eaters in my family. What I love most is its simplicity – everything cooks together in one pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s packed with plant-based protein, vibrant greens, and a medley of spices that make every bite interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Trust me, once you try this Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew, it’s going to become a regular fixture in your meal rotation, just like it has in ours. Get ready for a culinary hug in a bowl!

Ingredients: Your Pantry Staples Unite

This recipe utilizes ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator, making it perfect for spontaneous weeknight cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Red Lentils: (1 cup) – These cook quickly and break down beautifully, creating a creamy texture for the stew.
• Spinach: (5 ounces, fresh or frozen) – Adds a vibrant green color, essential vitamins, and a boost of healthy goodness. Frozen spinach should be thawed and squeezed dry.
• Onion: (1 medium, chopped) – Forms the aromatic base of the stew, adding depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: (2-3 cloves, minced) – Essential for flavor, garlic brings a pungent and savory note that complements the lentils and spinach perfectly.
• Vegetable Broth: (4 cups) – The liquid base of the stew, providing hydration and a savory foundation. Low sodium broth is recommended to control salt levels.
• Diced Tomatoes: (1 can, 14.5 ounces, undrained) – Adds acidity, sweetness, and moisture to the stew. You can use fire-roasted for a smokier flavor.
• Tomato Paste: (2 tablespoons) – Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the richness and color of the stew.
• Olive Oil: (2 tablespoons) – Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding a touch of healthy fat.
• Spices:
  • Cumin: (1 teaspoon) – Earthy and warm spice that enhances the lentil flavor.
  • Turmeric: (1 teaspoon) – Adds a warm, slightly bitter flavor and vibrant yellow color, also boasts anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Coriander: (1 teaspoon) – Citrusy and slightly nutty spice that complements the cumin and turmeric.
  • Smoked Paprika: (½ teaspoon) – Adds a smoky depth and subtle heat to the stew. Regular paprika can be substituted if needed.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: (¼ teaspoon, or to taste) – Optional, for a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice preference.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: (To taste) – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.

Instructions: Simple Steps to Stew Perfection

This one-pot wonder is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple instructions for a delicious and satisfying Lentil & Spinach Stew:

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This step, often referred to as “blooming” the spices, releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Introduce Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Cooking the tomato paste briefly deepens its flavor and removes some of its raw edge.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients and Lentils: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Add the red lentils to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer and Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the red lentils are tender and have broken down, thickening the stew. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type and age of your lentils.
6. Stir in Spinach: Once the lentils are cooked, remove the lid and stir in the spinach. If using fresh spinach, add it in handfuls, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. If using frozen spinach, make sure it is thawed and squeezed dry before adding it to the stew. Stir until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the stew, which should only take a minute or two.
7. Season to Taste: Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and adjust according to your preference. Taste and add more seasonings as needed, considering that the flavors will continue to meld as the stew sits.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew hot. It’s delicious on its own, but even better with your favorite accompaniments (see “How to Serve” section below).

Nutrition Facts: A Bowlful of Goodness

This Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (serving size is roughly 1.5 cups):

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 280-320 kcal (calories can vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and exact measurements)
• Protein: 15-18 grams (from lentils and vegetables)
• Iron: 6-8 mg (a good source of iron, especially important for plant-based diets)
• Vitamin A: High (from spinach and tomatoes)
• Vitamin C: Moderate (from tomatoes and spinach)
• Folate: High (from lentils and spinach)

Please note: These are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time: Quick and Efficient

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (chopping vegetables, measuring spices)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (simmering time)
• Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

From start to finish, you can have a flavorful and healthy meal on the table in under an hour. The active cooking time is minimal, mostly requiring stirring occasionally while the stew simmers. This makes it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or whenever you need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve: Versatile and Delightful

This Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread, like sourdough or baguette, for dipping into the flavorful stew and soaking up every last drop.
• Over Rice or Grains: Spoon the stew over cooked brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or farro for a heartier and more substantial meal. These grains complement the stew beautifully and add extra texture.
• Topped with Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or sour cream adds a cooling and creamy contrast to the warm, spiced stew. Consider a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt for a vegan option.
• Garnished with Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or dill, chopped and sprinkled over the stew, adds a burst of freshness and vibrant flavor.
• With a Lemon Wedge: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the stew and adds a zesty touch.
• Sprinkled with Cheese: For a non-vegan option, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory element.
• Alongside a Salad: Pair the stew with a simple green salad or a more substantial salad like a Mediterranean salad for a balanced and complete meal.
• As a Filling for Baked Potatoes: Scoop the lentil and spinach stew into baked potatoes for a comforting and satisfying twist.

Additional Tips: Elevate Your Stew Game

Here are some tips to take your Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew to the next level and ensure culinary success:

1. Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level. For a milder stew, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic.
2. Boost the Flavor with Bay Leaf: Add a bay leaf to the stew while it simmers. It infuses a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall complexity. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
3. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stew. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes can be added along with the onions to increase the vegetable content and add different textures and flavors.
4. Use Different Lentils: While red lentils create a creamy texture, you can experiment with other types of lentils like brown or green lentils. Brown and green lentils will hold their shape more and result in a chunkier stew. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they take longer to cook than red lentils.
5. Enhance with Coconut Milk: For a richer and creamier stew, stir in ½ cup of coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely subtle sweetness and velvety texture, making it even more luxurious.
6. Make it Heartier with Protein: For extra protein and heartiness, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas to the stew. If using chickpeas, add them along with the lentils. If using pre-cooked meat, add it towards the end of cooking to heat through.
7. Make it Ahead: This stew is perfect for meal prepping! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
8. Freeze for Later: Lentil & Spinach Stew freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ: Your Burning Stew Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you make the perfect Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew:

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: Yes, absolutely! Frozen spinach is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the stew.

Q2: I don’t have red lentils. Can I use another type of lentil?
A: Yes, you can use brown or green lentils. However, keep in mind that they will take longer to cook and will not break down as much as red lentils, resulting in a less creamy stew. You might need to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Q3: Can I make this stew vegan?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use vegetable broth and omit any non-vegan toppings like cheese or sour cream. Ensure your vegetable broth is indeed vegan as some might contain animal-derived ingredients.

Q4: How can I make this stew spicier?
A: To increase the spice level, you can add more red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a chopped chili pepper along with the garlic. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to individual servings.

Q5: Can I use water instead of vegetable broth?
A: While you can use water, vegetable broth adds a significant amount of flavor to the stew. If using water, consider adding extra seasonings or a bouillon cube to enhance the taste.

Q6: How do I store leftover stew?
A: Let the stew cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q7: Can I double or triple this recipe?
A: Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. You can double or triple the ingredients to feed a larger crowd or to have more leftovers for meal prepping. Make sure to use a pot large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

Q8: My stew is too thick/thin. How can I adjust the consistency?
A: If your stew is too thick, add a little more vegetable broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a bit longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate and the stew to thicken. You can also mash some of the lentils against the side of the pot to release starch and thicken the stew.

This Lentil & Spinach One-Pot Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace simple, wholesome cooking that nourishes both body and soul. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness that will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!