An easy, one-pot lentil stew delivers bold, comforting flavors that somehow taste like it took way more effort than it actually did.
This Healthy Lentil Stew started the same way a lot of my favorite recipes do. Standing in the kitchen, hungry, scanning the fridge, and then throwing ingredients together into a pot, hoping for the best. What started as something to fill me up quickly turned into a rich, cozy, comforting soup so filling that I immediately wrote it down so I wouldn’t forget it.
Built on caramelized onions, garlic, ginger, warming spices, and protein-packed lentils. Filling without being heavy, hearty without being boring, and flexible enough to be different every time, depending on what you have on hand.
Before you know it, this is the kind of meal you make once… and then suddenly it’s in your weekly rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Stew
- One pot, minimal cleanup
- High protein and high fiber
- Budget-friendly pantry ingredients
- Cozy, warming, comfort food energy
- Great for meal prep
- Even better the next day
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 1 cup diced green beans
- 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
- 2½ cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon sumac
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- Poached egg
- Sliced avocado
- Warm naan or crusty bread
Instructions
Step 1: Start With the Onions
Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, golden, and slightly caramelized. This step is where all the flavor starts, don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Ginger
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing at this point.
Step 3: Sear the Chickpeas
Add chickpeas and let them sit for a minute or two without stirring too much. This helps them get a little golden and adds texture.
Step 4: Season Everything
Add green beans, taco seasoning, cumin, allspice, sumac, and black pepper. Stir well so everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Simmer
Pour in lentils and broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
Step 6: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with fresh parsley and serve hot with a poached egg, avocado, and bread for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Extra hearty: Add diced potatoes or carrots
- Extra protein: Throw in tofu or more chickpeas
- Creamy version: Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or cayenne
- Green boost: Stir in spinach at the end
Storage
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Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days
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Freezes well for up to 2 months
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Reheats beautifully (add a splash of broth if thickened)
Final Thoughts
This Healthy Lentil Stew is one of those “how is this so good for how little effort it took” meals. Warm, filling, comforting, and nourishing, it delivers exactly what homemade food should. Not fancy. Not complicated. Just simple, real, cozy food that works.
Easy. Healthy. Simply good.