Description
A bright and comforting one-pot red lentil stew infused with lemon, warm spices, and hearty vegetables. Quick to make and perfect for a nourishing plant-based meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups red lentils (dry)
- 1 cup carrots (diced, about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup kale
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or use water for oil-free)
- 2 tbsp poultry spice
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cups spinach (sliced small)
- 2 avocados (sliced)
Instructions
- Set your Instant Pot to sauté. Add olive oil and diced onions, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, poultry spice, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 2 minutes to release flavors.
- Stir in red lentils to coat with spices. Add vegetable broth, kale, and carrots.
- Seal the lid and cook on the ‘Bean’ setting for 15 minutes with the vent set to sealing.
- Release pressure, then stir in lemon juice and spinach. Cover and let sit for 2 minutes to wilt spinach.
- For stovetop: Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat. Cook onions for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and spices, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add lentils and stir, then pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add carrots and kale, cooking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in lemon juice and spinach, then cover and let sit for 2 minutes to wilt.
- Serve warm with sliced avocado or over steamed rice.
Notes
- For oil-free cooking, replace olive oil with a splash of water when sautéing.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less tanginess.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
- Swap kale with other greens like Swiss chard if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 14 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
