I love making this cozy lentil mushroom stroganoff when I’m craving something warm, hearty, and deeply comforting. The combination of earthy mushrooms and tender lentils creates a rich, satisfying texture, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. I often turn to this dish on chilly evenings when I want comfort food that still feels nourishing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it delivers all the cozy vibes of a classic stroganoff without relying on meat. I enjoy how the mushrooms bring umami depth and the lentils add heartiness and protein. I also appreciate how it comes together in one pan, making it both comforting and convenient.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Green or brown lentils
- Cremini or button mushrooms
- Olive oil or butter
- Onion
- Garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sour cream or plant-based alternative
- Fresh parsley
Directions
I start by cooking the lentils in water until tender, then drain and set them aside. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft. I add the mushrooms and cook them until they release their moisture and turn golden.
I stir in the garlic, paprika, and thyme, letting the spices bloom briefly. I pour in the vegetable broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, then simmer the sauce until slightly thickened. I add the cooked lentils and stir everything together.
I finish by stirring in the sour cream and seasoning with salt and black pepper. I let the stroganoff simmer gently for a few minutes until creamy and well combined. I garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: about 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add a splash of white wine when sautéing the mushrooms for extra depth. When I want it extra creamy, I use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream. I also enjoy serving it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I Use Canned Lentils?
I often use canned lentils for convenience, and they work perfectly in this recipe.
What Mushrooms Work Best?
I like cremini mushrooms, but button or portobello mushrooms also work well.
Can I Make This Vegan?
I make it vegan by using plant-based sour cream or cashew cream.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
I keep it gluten-free by serving it with rice or gluten-free pasta.
Can I Freeze Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff?
I freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
Conclusion
I love this cozy lentil mushroom stroganoff because it’s comforting, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s a dish I return to whenever I want a warm, nourishing meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Print
Cozy Lentil Mushroom Stroganoff
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This cozy lentil mushroom stroganoff is a hearty, meatless comfort dish made with earthy mushrooms, tender lentils, and a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect nourishing meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 2 cups cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plant-based alternative
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the lentils in water until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and become golden, about 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, paprika, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked lentils and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use canned lentils for convenience—just rinse and drain before adding.
- Substitute coconut or cashew cream for extra creaminess or vegan option.
- Enhance flavor by adding a splash of white wine with the mushrooms.
- Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Add a bit more broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
