Description
This hearty lentil stew with creamy mashed potatoes is the perfect plant-based comfort meal. Rich, savory lentils simmered with vegetables and warm spices are served over smooth, buttery mashed potatoes for a filling, cozy dish ideal for weeknights or weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped
- 2 lbs Yukon gold or russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp butter or vegan butter
- 1/2 cup milk or plant-based milk (more as needed)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra richness
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and paprika. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
- Stir in spinach or kale, if using, and cook until wilted. Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add garlic powder or cream cheese if desired.
- To serve, scoop mashed potatoes into bowls and ladle lentil stew over the top. Garnish with olive oil or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Store stew and mashed potatoes separately for best texture when reheating.
- Add mushrooms or sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Use red lentils for a creamier stew with shorter cook time.
- Make it vegan by using dairy-free butter and plant-based milk.
- Serve leftovers over rice, polenta, or crusty bread for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
