Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew Recipe: A Hearty Hug in a Bowl
Warm up with this vegan lentil mushroom stew recipe! A healthy one-pot meal with lentils, mushrooms, and veggies—ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed – Protein-packed and hearty.
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced – Earthy and meaty texture.
- 1 large onion, diced – The savory foundation.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – For that irresistible aroma.
- 2 carrots, chopped – A touch of sweetness and crunch.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – Adds depth and balance.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – Juicy and rich.
- 4 cups vegetable broth – Keeps it light and flavorful.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing goodness.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste – Deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – A warm, herby note.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Smoky and bold.
- 1 bay leaf – A subtle flavor booster.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Season your way.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – A fresh finish.
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 cup chopped kale or spinach – Extra greens for nutrition.
- 1 diced potato – For added heartiness.
- A splash of red wine – For a rich, deep flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and the kitchen starts smelling amazing.
Step 2: Mushroom Moment
Stir in the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes, letting the mushrooms release their moisture and turn golden brown. That earthy aroma? Pure bliss.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add the tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen the flavors—it’s like waking up the stew’s soul.
Step 4: Simmer the Stew
Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Give it a good stir, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring now and then, until the lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
Step 5: Final Touches
Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using optional add-ins like kale or spinach, stir them in now and cook for an extra 5 minutes until they wilt. Remove the bay leaf, garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve it up hot!