Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew

Name: Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew on chilly evenings. It’s one of those comforting dishes that warms your soul and fills your home with delicious aromas. The combination of hearty lentils and colorful vegetables provides a perfect balance of protein and nutrients, making it both satisfying and healthy. With fresh herbs and spices, each bowl bursts with flavor, creating a delightful experience that's sure to please family and guests alike. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, which makes it a weeknight favorite for me.

Created by

Madison Cole

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:10:27.528Z

When I first stumbled upon a recipe for lentil stew, I was skeptical about how satisfying a dish could be without meat. Yet, after trying it for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised. It proved to be rich and flavorful, thanks in large part to the layers of herbs. An important tip I've learned is to let the stew simmer longer so the lentils become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

One of the secrets to a great stew is the variety of vegetables you can use. I've experimented with carrots, celery, and even kale, which added sweetness and depth. Using fresh herbs versus dried made a significant difference, too, so I highly recommend freshly chopping parsley and thyme to truly elevate the dish!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Packed with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich lentils
Aromatic blend of fresh herbs that elevates the flavors
Simple preparation with one pot makes cleanup a breeze

      

Understanding Lentils

Lentils are the star ingredient in this stew, providing both protein and a hearty texture. They absorb flavors well and break down slightly during cooking, adding thickness to the stew. I recommend using green or brown lentils for their firm texture, which holds up well in this dish. Avoid red lentils, as they tend to become mushy and won't give the same satisfying bite.

Rinsing lentils is crucial before cooking to remove any dust or impurities. This quick step not only enhances their flavor but also ensures a cleaner final dish. If you're new to cooking lentils, remember that they take about 30 minutes to become tender—perfect for a weeknight meal.

Perfecting the Flavor

Fresh herbs and spices play a pivotal role in building the depth of flavor in your stew. For optimal results, I suggest using fresh parsley for garnish, as it brightens up the entire dish with a burst of color and freshness. Dried thyme and oregano contribute earthy notes; however, if you have fresh herbs on hand, feel free to use about three times the amount, as they’ll impart a stronger flavor.

Adjusting the seasoning towards the end is key—taste the stew before serving and add salt or black pepper according to your preferences. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also elevate the flavors, bringing a lovely brightness that complements the hearty lentils and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

This Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew is delightfully versatile when it comes to serving options. For a light yet warming meal, I enjoy serving it with crusty whole grain bread, perfect for dipping. Alternatively, for a more substantial dish, consider serving it over cooked rice or quinoa to enhance the protein content and add a different texture.

To enhance the nutrition even further, you can add leafy greens like spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They wilt beautifully and create a heartier stew that increases your veggies without much effort. This is also a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for making a delicious Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew.

Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Make sure all ingredients are prepped before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until they become translucent. Then, add the garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.

Sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Combine Lentils and Liquid

Stir in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried thyme, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer the Stew

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes until the lentils are tender. If the stew gets too thick, add more broth or water as needed.

Add Zucchini and Season

In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the diced zucchini. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley.

Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the stew into bowls and serve hot. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or over rice for a heartier meal.

Enjoy your hearty Herbed Vegetable Lentil Stew warm, and feel free to garnish with additional parsley!

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables or spices to customize this stew to your taste. Adding a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the flavors.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This stew is an excellent make-ahead option; the flavors deepen and improve when it sits, making it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the stew a day or two in advance, and it stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.

If you want to enjoy this stew beyond the week, consider freezing portions. It freezes beautifully and can be kept for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your stew is too thick as it simmers, don’t worry—this is a common issue. Simply add additional vegetable broth or water, one cup at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition and allow it to simmer for a couple of more minutes to meld the flavors.

Over-seasoning can occur, especially when adjusting salt. If you accidentally over-salt the stew, adding a peeled potato while it simmers can help absorb excess salt. Just remember to remove the potato before serving! This is a handy trick I use to salvage meals without starting over.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of lentils?

Yes, you can use red or yellow lentils, but keep in mind that they cook faster and will result in a different texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftover stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make this stew in advance?

Absolutely! This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.