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Final bowl of creamy slow cooker vegetarian lentil stew ready to eat
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Slow Cooker Vegetarian Protein Stew

Wholesome, hearty, and packed with plant-based protein, this slow cooker vegetarian stew is the ultimate comfort food for busy days — rich with lentils, beans, and cozy spices that make every bite feel like a hug in a bowl.
Course Main Course, Stew
Cuisine Comfort Food, Vegan
Keyword lentil stew, plant-based protein, slow cooker stew, vegetarian crockpot
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 bowls
Calories 285kcal
Author Ellie
Cost 3

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • cutting board and knife
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • serving ladle

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup dry red lentils
  • 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup diced sweet potato
  • 1 cup fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale (add at end)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (to finish)

Instructions

  • Add olive oil, diced onion, and garlic to the base of the slow cooker.
  • Add red lentils, chickpeas, sweet potato, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
  • Stir in cumin, paprika, oregano, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Pour in vegetable broth.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until lentils and vegetables are tender.
  • If using coconut milk, stir it in during the final 30–60 minutes of cooking.
  • Stir in spinach or kale during the final 10–15 minutes. Let it wilt into the stew.
  • Finish with lemon juice or vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

Customize with seasonal veggies, use coconut milk for creaminess, or stir in fresh greens at the end. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Serve with naan, quinoa, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Sodium: 590mg | Potassium: 750mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 8500IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4.2mg