Lentil Stew with Artichokes

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This lentil stew is so good because it combines the hearty texture of lentils with the tangy, savory flavor of artichoke hearts, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Its rich blend of spices and vegetables makes it a nourishing and comforting dish perfect for any time of year.

bowl of lentil artichoke stew with a stockpot full in background.

One of the best things about lentils is that they cook relatively quickly compared to other legumes, in about 20 minutes, so this lentil stew makes a delicious quick and inexpensive meal.

We have more protein-packed lentil recipes on this website like my easy lentil soup that can be made in an Instant Pot, this hearty lentil shepherd pie, and our lentil vegan sloppy joes.

Reasons you will love this recipe

  • Nutrient-Rich and Healthy – Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this lentil stew is a wholesome and nourishing choice for a balanced diet.
  • Hearty and Satisfying – The rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture of this stew make it a comforting and filling meal that keeps you full for longer.
  • Versatile and Customizable – Easily adapt this stew with your favorite vegetables, spices, and herbs to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Easy to Make and Store – Simple to prepare and perfect for meal prep, this lentil stew can be made in advance, stored in the fridge or freezer, and enjoyed throughout the week.

Ingredients you will need

dry red lentils in oval wooden bowl with tomoatoes and garlic ingredients spread around.
  • Lentils- Red lentils are a great choice for lentil soup because they cook quickly and break down into a soft, creamy texture, which helps thicken the soup naturally. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that blends well with various spices and vegetables, creating a well-balanced and hearty dish.
  • Onions & garlic- Essential in lentil soup because they form the flavorful base of the dish. Onions add a natural sweetness and depth, while garlic provides a bold, aromatic punch that enhances the overall taste.
  • Fire-roasted tomatoes- Adds a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the soup’s depth and complexity. The roasting process caramelizes the tomatoes, giving them a slightly charred, sweet taste that blends perfectly with the lentils and spices.
  • Tomato paste- A great addition to lentil soup because it intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a rich, concentrated taste to the broth.
  • Seasonings- Bay leaves, cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander add a warm robust flavor to this soup.

How to make lentil stew

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

diced onions on cutting board

STEP #1: Begin by dicing up the onion and garlic and rinsing the lentils.

onions and garlic sauting in red pot on white background

STEP #2: Sauté the onion in veggie broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.

stockpot with spoon full of lentil stew

STEP #3: Add veggie broth, red lentils, and a bay leaf, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add fire-roasted tomatoes and their liquid, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

brown bowl of lentil stew with artichokes and spoon

STEP #4: Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Remove from the heat, discard the bay leaf, and serve.

This delicious lentil stew with artichoke recipe is from The Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Dr. Neal Barnard.

*Recipe originally published October 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add vegetables to my lentil stew?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, spinach, or bell peppers not only enhances the flavor and texture but also increases the stew’s nutritional value. Feel free to customize the stew with your favorite vegetables.

How do I make stew thicker or creamier?

To thicken or creamify your lentil stew, you can blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender or mash some of the lentils with a fork. Adding a small amount of coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream can also give the stew a richer texture.

How long will it last?

Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

Can I make it in advance and freeze it?

Yes, lentil stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

brown bowl and stainless pot full of lentil artichoke stew

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brown bowl of lentil stew with artichokes and spoon
4.56 from 9 votes

Vegan Lentil Artichoke Stew

This lentil stew is so good because it combines the hearty texture of lentils with the tangy, savory flavor of artichoke hearts, creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Its rich blend of spices and vegetables makes it a nourishing and comforting dish perfect for any time of year.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup red lentils, uncooked
  • 1 cup onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups veggie broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 15 oz cans fire roasted tomatoes with the juices
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 15 oz can artichoke hearts quartered and drained
  • 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Begin by dicing up the onion and garlic.
  • Next, sauté the onion in veggie broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  • Add garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add veggie broth, red lentils, and a bay leaf and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and add fire-roasted tomatoes and their liquid, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
  • Remove from heat and discard bay leaf and serve.

Video

Notes

Tips & Suggestions:
I have included step-by-step photos and directions above to ensure your first attempt will be successful.
Lentils- You can use different types of lentils, but keep in mind that their cooking times and textures vary. Red lentils cook quickly and break down into a creamy texture, while green or brown lentils hold their shape better and take longer to cook. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of lentils you use.
Thicken- To thicken or creamify your lentil stew, you can blend a portion of the stew with an immersion blender or mash some of the lentils with a fork. Adding a small amount of coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream can also give the stew a richer texture.
Storage- Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
Freezing- Lentil stew freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 126kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 2g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g

Disclaimer

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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9 Comments

  1. This looks really good, Terri – how do you think frozen artichoke hearts would work? I need to keep the sodium content down. Thank you!
    Ann

  2. We made this tonight and it was very easy and super delicious over a baked potato. I put the leftovers in my 1 cup silicon container and will freeze for a quick afternoon lunch in the future.

    1. Hi Bonnie- Serving this over baked potatoes sounds fabulous! Don’t you love being able to freeze the leftovers? I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, and thanks so much for letting me know!

  3. This sounds really good! Have you made this in a pressure cooker before? I am thinking about making it in an Instant Pot….. I am thinking 15 minutes high pressure / natural release. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

  4. For easier printing, copy and paste:
    Red Lentil Artichoke Stew–
    Ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup veggie broth
    • 1 onion, diced
    • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 tsps. ground cumin
    • 1 tsp. ground coriander
    • 2 cups water
    • 1 cup dried red lentils
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 cans chopped fire roasted tomatoes
    • 1 can water packed artichoke hearts, quartered
    • 3-4 tbsps. freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
    • 1/4 tsp. sea salt
    • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

    Sauté onion in veggie broth over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin, and coriander and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water, lentils and bay leaf and bring to a boil.
    Lower the heat and add fire roasted tomatoes and their liquid, artichoke hearts, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

    Simmer for about 20 minutes, or until lentil are tender. Remove from heat and discard bay leaf and serve.

    NOTE: Green lentils can be substituted. However, because green lentils will not cook properly in acidic foods, such as tomatoes and lemon juice, you will need to cook them in water or veggie broth until tender prior to adding to the stew.

4.56 from 9 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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