A plant-powered bowl of winter goodness — just for you
Let’s face it: cold weather calls for something hot, hearty, and preferably spoonable. But if you’re a solo eater, you don’t need a stew recipe that feeds an army and leaves your freezer looking like a Tupperware battleground.
Enter this Spiced Lentil & Sweet Potato Stew — your new go-to winter hug in a bowl. It’s packed with fibre, antioxidants, and vitamin C, not to mention naturally rich in plant-based protein and warm spices that feel like a holiday from Melbourne’s grey skies.
At Plan4One, we believe eating solo should feel good, taste amazing, and never require a full dishwasher load. This recipe ticks all the boxes.
🛒 What You’ll Need
Grab these pantry staples and veg from your local Aussie supermarket (Aldi lovers, you’re covered too):
- ½ cup red lentils (rinsed)
- ½ small sweet potato, diced small
- ½ carrot, chopped
- ¼ onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 cups vegetable stock (salt-reduced preferred)
🍲 How to Make It
This is one of those “chuck it all in and let it bubble away” kinds of dishes — perfect for lazy winter evenings when your brain has already clocked off.
- Sauté the flavour base
In a small pot, heat a splash of olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and cinnamon. Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything smells like you tried (even if you didn’t). - Add the veg, lentils, and stock
Toss in the sweet potato, carrot, lentils, and vegetable stock. Give it a stir, bring it to a gentle simmer. - Simmer and chill (figuratively)
Let it cook, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. You’re aiming for soft veg and tender lentils. - Mash slightly
Once it’s done, use a fork or spoon to mash a few sweet potato chunks. It’ll thicken up into a proper hearty stew vibe. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
🌟 Why It’s a Winter Winner
This bowlful is a nutrition overachiever:
- Red lentils are quick-cooking and full of plant protein and fibre to keep you full and happy.
- Sweet potato and carrots bring in vitamin C, beta-carotene, and antioxidants to boost immunity and brighten up your plate.
- Cumin and cinnamon aren’t just for flavour – they’re both linked to anti-inflammatory and gut-friendly benefits.
No meat, no dairy, no stress — just big, bold flavour and a warm belly.
🛠️ No Fuss, No Leftovers
This stew is designed for just you. No sad containers of half-eaten stew lurking in the fridge. No complicated chopping. No need for a slow cooker or InstaPot (unless you’re really into kitchen gear).
💡 Handy Tips:
- Want it creamier? Stir in a spoonful of Greek yoghurt or coconut cream at the end.
- Add greens like baby spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes to up the veg count.
- Bulk it up with a slice of sourdough or warm roti if you’re feeling extra peckish.
❤️ One Bowl, All the Comfort
There’s something deeply satisfying about a solo dinner that feels intentional instead of “whatever’s left in the fridge.” This stew doesn’t feel like a compromise — it feels like a warm reward at the end of the day. Add your favourite Netflix crime doc, and dinner’s sorted.
👀 Your Turn!
Did you jazz it up? Add chickpeas? Forget the carrot entirely? We love seeing your one-person dinner creations. Tag #Plan4One or leave a comment with your twist on this spicy little stew.
And don’t forget — if you’re enjoying these solo-friendly recipes, subscribe for weekly inspo that won’t leave you with seven days of leftovers and regret.
