There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of stew, especially when it’s a simple vegan lentil stew served over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty that would fill my home with warmth and delicious smells. As the lentils simmered away with all those lovely veggies, I could practically hear my taste buds cheering! The combination of the rich, flavorful stew and the silky mashed potatoes is just unbeatable. Trust me, once you try this easy lentil stew mashed potatoes vegan combo, it’ll become one of your go-to meals for those cozy nights in. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Easy Lentil Stew Mashed Potatoes Vegan
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, because this stew comes together quite easily! Trust me, the fresher the veggies, the better the flavor. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Easy Lentil Stew Mashed Potatoes Vegan
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting part—making this comforting dish! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse your lentils under cold water and set them aside. This helps remove any dirt or debris.
- In a large pot, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to look a bit translucent—yum!
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Be careful not to let it burn; we just want that lovely garlic aroma to fill the kitchen!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show! Stir in the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and cumin. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. You might want to check occasionally and give it a little stir.
- While the stew is bubbling away, let’s work on those mashed potatoes! In a separate pot, boil the chopped potatoes in salted water until they’re nice and tender, roughly 15-20 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Mash them up with the plant-based milk and vegan butter until they’re creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
- Finally, serve the hearty lentil stew over a generous scoop of your creamy mashed potatoes. I like to mix them together a little on my plate; it’s just the best!
Tips for Success
- Spice it up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to suit your taste! A pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick if you like some heat.
- Veggie swap: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can make great additions!
- Texture check: If you prefer a thicker stew, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.
- Leftovers magic: This stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so make extra if you can!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This easy lentil stew comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of lentils and creamy mashed potatoes creates a filling dish that warms you from the inside out.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this vegan meal is not only delicious but good for you too!
- Flavor Explosion: With aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, every bite is bursting with flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more.
- Versatile: Customize with whatever veggies or spices you have on hand, making it a great recipe to adapt to your taste!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This stew tastes even better the next day, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for one bowl of this easy lentil stew served with mashed potatoes:
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider them as a guideline rather than exact measurements. Adjustments to ingredients can also affect the nutritional profile, so feel free to play around with it to suit your needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of lentils for this stew?
Absolutely! While I love using green or brown lentils for their hearty texture, you can also try red lentils. Just keep in mind that red lentils cook faster and will create a softer stew, which can be delicious too!
Is this easy lentil stew suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy, and it might even taste better the next day!
Can I freeze the lentil stew?
Definitely! This stew freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Good news! This easy lentil stew is naturally gluten-free, so as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth, you’re all set. Just check your labels for any hidden gluten!
What can I serve with this lentil stew?
While it’s delicious on its own, you can elevate the meal by serving it with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or even some roasted veggies on the side. It’s all about those comforting vibes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers are a beautiful thing, especially with this easy lentil stew! Here’s how to store and reheat it so you can enjoy it again:
- Storage: Allow the lentil stew to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure the container is sealed well to prevent any odor absorption!
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, this stew freezes wonderfully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and it’ll last for about three months. Just label the containers with the date so you know when to enjoy it!
- Reheating: When you’re ready to dig in, simply thaw the stew overnight in the fridge if it’s frozen. To reheat, you can either warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave for a few minutes until heated through. If it looks a bit thick, stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up.
And there you have it! Enjoy the cozy flavors of your lentil stew all over again—trust me, it tastes just as good the next day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this easy lentil stew over mashed potatoes, the options are endless! I love to pair it with a fresh, crunchy salad to add a bit of brightness and contrast to the creamy goodness of the stew. A simple arugula salad with a splash of lemon vinaigrette works wonders! You could also try a classic coleslaw for some extra crunch.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a slice of crusty whole-grain bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious stew. Trust me, nothing beats dipping warm bread into that flavorful broth!
And for a cozy touch, consider serving it with roasted or steamed veggies on the side, like broccoli or green beans. They bring in some lovely color and nutrition to your plate. Whatever you choose, the goal is to enhance that comforting, homey vibe of your meal. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Easy Lentil Stew Mashed Potatoes Vegan for Cozy Nights
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple vegan lentil stew served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain potatoes and mash with plant-based milk and vegan butter.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve lentil stew over mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Use any vegetables you have on hand.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: easy lentil stew, mashed potatoes, vegan