Name: Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup lentils; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers); 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Vegan butter (optional, for mashed potatoes)

Why Make This Recipe

This Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes is a warm and comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with nutrients. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making this stew both healthy and satisfying. Plus, the creamy mashed potatoes add a delightful texture that complements the stew perfectly.

How to Make Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

1 cup lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers)
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegan butter (optional, for mashed potatoes)

Directions:

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened.
Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in a separate pot until tender. Drain and mash them with vegan butter, adding salt to taste.
Stir in the mixed veggies into the lentil stew and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Serve the lentil stew over the mashed potatoes.

How to Serve Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes

This dish is best served hot. Ladle a generous portion of lentil stew over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes. You can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for added flavor, or serve with a slice of crusty bread on the side for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep the stew longer, consider freezing it. Let the stew cool entirely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Easy Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes

Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking can help them cook faster, but it’s not necessary.
Feel free to add other vegetables you like or have on hand, such as zucchini or green beans.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the stew while it cooks.

Variation

To switch up the flavors, try adding different herbs or spices, such as oregano or paprika. You could also use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for the mash.

FAQs

Can I make this stew in a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook all the ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What type of lentils should I use?
Brown or green lentils work best for this recipe as they hold their shape well when cooked.

Is it necessary to use vegetable broth?
While vegetable broth adds flavor, you can use water if you don’t have broth on hand. Just be sure to add extra seasonings to boost the taste.