Description
This Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew is pure comfort in a bowl — hearty, cozy, and packed with nourishing ingredients. With tender lentils, earthy mushrooms, and wholesome vegetables simmered in rich broth, it’s the perfect plant-based dinner for chilly nights or relaxing weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stew:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms (portobello, cremini, or shiitake), sliced
- 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, cubed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for umami
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes for spice
Instructions
- Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Mushrooms: Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cooking for about 8 minutes until browned and fragrant.
- Season and Add Lentils: Add paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir in lentils and potatoes to coat.
- Pour in Liquids: Add vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
- Add Greens and Finish: Stir in kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve warm with bread or salad.
Notes
- For a soupier version, add 1–2 extra cups of broth.
- Don’t add salt early — it can toughen lentils.
- Use mixed mushrooms for a richer umami flavor.
- Store leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
- The stew thickens as it cools — add broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Vegan, Soup & Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Plant-Based, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew, Lentil Kale Recipes, Healthy Dinner Recipes with Lentils, Vegan Mushroom Lentil Soup, Plant-Based Comfort Food, One-Pot Vegan Meals