Little Sprout Lentil Stew (Printable)

Hearty blend of green lentils, carrots, and potatoes simmered with aromatic herbs for a warm, wholesome dish.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large onion, finely chopped
02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
05 - 1 celery stalk, diced
06 - 1 cup baby spinach or little sprout greens, roughly chopped

→ Lentils & Broth

07 - 1 cup dried green lentils, rinsed
08 - 4 cups vegetable broth
09 - 1 cup water

→ Herbs & Seasoning

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
16 - Juice of ½ lemon

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced celery; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in diced carrots and potatoes; cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
03 - Add rinsed green lentils, vegetable broth, water, dried thyme, dried oregano, bay leaf, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender.
05 - Remove bay leaf. Stir in baby spinach or little sprout greens and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Add lemon juice if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if available.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple and approachable: With just 15 minutes of prep and straightforward steps, this stew is perfectly suited for busy weeknights.
  • Naturally nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein from green lentils and a rainbow of vegetables, each serving delivers 12 g of protein and only 280 calories.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free: A wholesome meal that suits a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
  • One-pot wonder: Everything comes together in a single large pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Flexible and adaptable: Easy to customize with sweet potatoes, extra spices, or a finishing squeeze of lemon.
02 -
  • Rinse your lentils well: Always rinse dried green lentils under cold water before cooking to remove any debris and excess starch.
  • Don't rush the simmer: A low, gentle simmer for the full 30–35 minutes ensures the lentils become perfectly tender without turning mushy.
  • Add greens at the end: Stir in the baby spinach or little sprout greens only in the last 2–3 minutes so they stay vibrant and retain their nutrients.
  • Boost the flavor: A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika added to the pot can add wonderful depth.
  • Check your broth: Always check packaged vegetable broth for allergen information and ensure it suits your dietary requirements.
  • Make it heartier: Serve over cooked rice or alongside crusty bread to turn this stew into an even more filling meal.
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