Hi! This is Suzy from The Mediterranean Dish. I am so honored to be with my friend Carrian and all of you here at Oh Sweet Basil today!
When it comes to making dinner, there is really no shortage of places from which to glean inspiration; an endless supply of creative ideas and trendy foods surrounds me! Yet, I so often find myself going to simple dinners from my childhood. Recipes that are hearty and unfussy, like today’s one-pot vegetable and lentil recipe.
This one is pretty much straight from my mother’s Mediterranean kitchen. It’s the kind of dinner people of the Mediterranean, where I grew up, call a “poor man’s pot.” But it’s every bit a vibrant, healthy and satisfying meal.
This lentil recipe is one of those versatile go-to family meals. It starts with lots of vegetables, then come the green lentils which cook fairly quickly but still hold their shape. Because spring is upon us, I added zucchini squash to my usual carrot, potato, celery combination. But you can use a different summer squash; bell peppers; or even asparagus–make it as colorful as you like!
To bring it all together, I used a couple of my favorite earthy Mediterranean spices–cumin works incredibly well with lentils, by the way–along with fresh parsley and a splash of fresh lime juice.
Here is today’s one-pot vegetable and lentil recipe.
Are Lentils and Beans the Same Thing?
Lentils and beans are members of the same legume family.
But, whether beans and legumes are the same thing, is up to interpretation.
Are Lentils Better For You Than Beans?
Lentils are lower in carbs than beans.
Lentils also have more fiber than beans.
Can Lentils Be Cooked in a Crock Pot?
Lentils can be cooked in a crock pot.
Cover with water and cook on low til lentils are soft and tender.
One-Pot Vegetables and Lentil Recipe
One-Pot Vegetables and Lentil Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups green lentils
- Olive Oil
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 zucchini squash diced
- 1 bulk carrot diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 russet potato diced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- 3 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 2 ½ cup water
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley stems removed
- Lime wedges to serve
- Bread to serve
Instructions
- Place the lentils in a bowl and cover with water.
- Soak for 15 minutes or so.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
- Add the onions, garlic and vegetables.
- Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the vegetables have softened (about 5-7 mins).
- Stir in the lentils, salt and pepper and the remaining spices.
- Then add the tomatoes and water.
- Bring everything to a boil for 5 mins, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low; cover and let simmer for 20 mins or until the vegetables and lentils are cooked to tender.
- Taste and adjust the spices to your liking.
- Serve hot with your favorite crusty bread or some warm pita!
Enjoy
Nutrition
Vegetarian Tacos with Spicy Crema
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So tasty, quick and simple! This is going in my regular rotation!
We love to hear that! Thank you Kelly!
Question: after soaking the lentils for 15 minutes, do you drain them before adding them to the veggies or add the lentils with the soaking water to the veggies?
Hi Francie! Drain them first.
This sounds very delicious, I have all the ingredients and looking forward to trying this however there and no instructions on how to cook it?
Oh good grief! Thank you Elizabeth! That has been fixed!
I made this for lunch today and it was so delicious! Once I plated, I added in chunks of greek feta cheese and served with fresh sourdough bread. Needless to say we licked our plates clean.
Holy moly! That sounds like the best lunch! I’m adding feta the next time I make this!
This looks great I have most of the ingredients! Looking forward to lentils that aren’t so plain. Also, when using turmeric don’t forget a dash or bit of black pepper, it helps bring out its nutritional benefits.
That is a great tip! Thanks, Jessica! Enjoy these lentils!
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Is it possible to make this in the slow cooker?
Yes, but it won’t need long to cook. Follow all the instructions as written, and then cook in the slow cooker on low for 1.5-2 hours. Enjoy!
Your instructions mention garlic and onion in the lentil and vegetable recipe, but they aren’t listed in the ingredients.
Thank you Lori! It should be 1/2 yellow onion diced and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Thank you for catching that!
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Stunning! I simply occurred over this site. I ‘m totally in amazement! A portion of your formulas help me to remember my youth, and some are cunning turns on convention, much obliged.
You’re welcome! We are all about home cooked meals and making memories with our kids in and outside the kitchen. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Hi – I am confused by this recipe because the ingredients do not list an onion or garlic, but Step 4 says to add the onions and garlic. I’m not sure how much to use – could you please clarify? Thanks!
Oh that was a a guest post. Let me take a look and see if I can get it fixed. Thank you!!
Wow! I just happened across this site. I ‘m completely in awe! Some of your recipes remind me of my childhood, and some are clever twists on tradition, thank you.
Thank you so much! That’s exactly what we hope for!
Hi Suzi, tried this recipe some time back. it turned out delicious. Thanks for sharing.
How much onion and garlic? When is parsley added? Thanks.
Awesome recipe luks simply delicious will try soon I m big fan of urs I hv tried many of your recipes and came out really well. thanks.
So sweet of you! Thanks!