Description
A comforting and nourishing meal featuring a hearty lentil stew simmered with aromatic spices and vegetables, paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying vegan-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Lentil Stew:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup plant-based milk or regular milk
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter or regular butter
- Salt to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or fresh chives for extra flavor
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped carrots and celery. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and combine the flavors.
- Incorporate Spices and Tomato Paste: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste to the vegetables. Mix well to evenly coat and enhance the base flavors.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir in rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Stew: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 30–35 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add more broth if necessary to maintain desired consistency.
- Cook Potatoes: While the stew simmers, place peeled and chopped potatoes into salted boiling water. Cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot or a bowl. Mash together with milk, butter, and salt until creamy. Adjust texture by adding more milk if needed. Optionally, mix in garlic powder or fresh chives for extra flavor.
- Finish Lentil Stew: Remove the bay leaf from the lentil stew. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped fresh parsley for brightness and freshness.
- Serve: Spoon the hearty lentil stew generously over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute brown or green lentils depending on availability; they hold shape well during cooking.
- For a creamier mashed potato, warm the milk before adding.
- Adjust seasoning as lentils and potatoes can absorb salt differently; taste before serving.
- Use vegetable broth to keep this recipe completely vegan; substitute with chicken broth if not vegan.
- Optional spices like smoked paprika add depth but can be omitted or swapped with regular paprika for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Keywords: lentil stew, mashed potatoes, vegan stew, vegetarian dinner, healthy lentil recipe, creamy mashed potatoes
