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Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew

Featured in Comforting Soups & Stews.

This Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew combines earthy lentils with umami-rich mushrooms in a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal. The stew starts with a classic mirepoix base of onions, carrots, and celery, building layers of flavor with garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika. Green or brown lentils provide protein and heartiness, while cremini mushrooms add a meaty texture and deep flavor. Simmered in vegetable broth with diced tomatoes and aromatic herbs, this stew develops rich, complex flavors in just 50 minutes. It's easily customizable with add-ins like kale, potatoes, or a splash of red wine for extra depth.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Tue, 28 Jan 2025 01:09:19 GMT
Rich and hearty lentil mushroom stew, a flavorful vegan dish perfect for cold days. Pin it
Rich and hearty lentil mushroom stew, a flavorful vegan dish perfect for cold days. | lastminrecipes.com

When winter winds howl outside, nothing comforts quite like a steaming bowl of hearty lentil mushroom stew. This isn't just another soup - it's a rich, soul-warming meal that happens to be completely plant-based. The earthiness of mushrooms combines with the subtle nuttiness of lentils to create something truly magical, while aromatic herbs and vegetables transform simple ingredients into a dish that'll have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.

Last week, I served this to my meat-loving brother who was skeptical about a vegan stew. By the end of the meal, he was asking for the recipe. The secret? Building layers of flavor through proper vegetable sautéing and choosing the right variety of mushrooms.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Lentils: French green (Le Puy) lentils hold their shape beautifully, but brown lentils work well too. Look for lentils that are uniform in color without cracks.
  • Mushrooms: A mix of varieties creates the best flavor. Use crimini for earthiness, shiitake for umami, and portobello for meaty texture.
  • Vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and onions create the flavor foundation. Choose firm, bright vegetables for the best results.
  • Herbs: Fresh thyme and bay leaves are crucial for that classic stew flavor. If using dried thyme, use one-third the amount.
  • Vegetable Broth: Look for a high-quality, low-sodium version so you can control the salt level.
Comforting vegan lentil mushroom stew, packed with nutrients and bold flavors. Pin it
Comforting vegan lentil mushroom stew, packed with nutrients and bold flavors. | lastminrecipes.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Building the Base:
Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven until shimmering, then add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and start to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
Mushroom Magic:
Add your mushroom medley in batches to avoid overcrowding. Let each batch brown deeply before stirring. This step develops rich, umami flavors essential to the stew.
Lentil Launch:
Add the lentils, stirring to coat them in the vegetable mixture. Toast briefly before adding vegetable broth, ensuring the liquid covers the ingredients by about an inch.
Simmering Success:
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, reduce to a simmer, and add fresh thyme sprigs and bay leaves. Cover partially and cook for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

In my early days of making this stew, I discovered that a splash of balsamic vinegar added at the end brightens all the flavors and adds wonderful depth.

Chef's Essential Tips

  • For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk in the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Don't skip the mushroom browning step - it's essential for developing deep flavor.
  • Finish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten all the flavors.
Hearty vegan stew with lentils and mushrooms, a satisfying plant-based meal. Pin it
Hearty vegan stew with lentils and mushrooms, a satisfying plant-based meal. | lastminrecipes.com

Through years of making this stew, I've learned that patience with each step - from properly sautéing vegetables to allowing the lentils to cook fully - transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It's become my go-to recipe for showing skeptics just how satisfying plant-based cooking can be.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of lentils work best in this stew?
Green or brown lentils are ideal as they hold their shape well during cooking.
→ Can I make this stew ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.
→ How can I make the stew thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered for extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
→ What can I serve with this stew?
It pairs well with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
→ Can I use different mushrooms?
Yes, any mushroom variety works well, including button, portobello, or shiitake.

Hearty Lentil Mushroom Stew

A comforting plant-based stew with tender lentils and mushrooms in a rich broth - perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Base Ingredients

01 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
02 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
03 1 large onion, diced
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 2 carrots, chopped
06 2 celery stalks, chopped
07 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
08 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Seasonings and Oil

09 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 1 tablespoon tomato paste
11 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 1 bay leaf
14 Salt and pepper to taste
15 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

→ Optional Add-ins

16 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
17 1 diced potato
18 A splash of red wine

Instructions

Step 01

Get your pot nice and hot over medium heat with the olive oil, then toss in your diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them sauté for about 5 minutes until they start getting tender and fragrant.

Step 02

Now add those minced garlic cloves and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, until your mushrooms release their moisture and develop a nice brown color.

Step 03

Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Let these spices toast for about a minute to wake up their flavors.

Step 04

Add your rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and that bay leaf. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, until those lentils become perfectly tender.

Step 05

Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper until it's just right. If you're using kale or spinach, now's the time to add it - let it cook for about 5 more minutes. Don't forget to fish out that bay leaf before serving!

Notes

  1. This cozy vegan stew combines protein-rich lentils with umami-packed mushrooms for a satisfying, nutritious meal that's perfect for chilly evenings.
  2. Keep an eye on the liquid level as it cooks - add more broth if it gets too thick, or let it simmer uncovered if you'd like it thicker.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~