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Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 61 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American-inspired comfort food
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew is a comforting, nutritious dish perfect for cozy dinners. Combining earthy lentils, savory cremini mushrooms, and wholesome vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato and vegetable broth, this stew is rich in plant-based protein and fiber. Enhanced with aromatic herbs and a splash of red wine, it delivers depth of flavor, while kale or spinach adds a fresh, vibrant finish. Suitable for a vegan lifestyle, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and brimming with wholesome ingredients.


Ingredients

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 diced potato
  • 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Pantry Items

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A splash of red wine


Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and become fragrant.
  2. Cook mushrooms and garlic: Add the minced garlic and sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms release their moisture and begin to brown.
  3. Add flavorings: Stir in the tomato paste, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to help release the spices’ aromas and deepen the stew’s flavor.
  4. Add main ingredients and simmer: Add rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, diced potato, bay leaf, and a splash of red wine to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the stew simmer uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the lentils and potatoes are tender.
  5. Season and add greens: Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
  6. Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish the stew with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a nourishing vegan meal.

Notes

  • Rinsing lentils before cooking removes excess starch and prevents them from becoming too mushy.
  • You can substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens depending on preference.
  • For a richer flavor, use a good quality vegetable broth and consider adding a splash of red wine as specified.
  • If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the lentils or potatoes before serving.
  • This stew stores well and tastes even better the next day once flavors have melded.