Name: Lentil Mushroom Stew – Budget-Friendly Vegan Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed; 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 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; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); Optional: 1 cup chopped kale or spinach, 1 diced potato, splash of red wine

Description

This hearty Lentil Mushroom Stew is a rich, savory vegan dish packed with protein, earthy mushrooms, and herbs. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and full of comforting flavors for cozy nights or nutritious dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
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
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional: 1 cup chopped kale or spinach, 1 diced potato, splash of red wine

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add garlic and mushrooms. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms release moisture and brown.
Stir in tomato paste, thyme, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils are tender.
If using, add chopped kale or spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Use red lentils for a softer texture (reduce cook time).
Add balsamic vinegar or a splash of wine at the end for depth.
For oil-free, sauté vegetables in broth instead of oil.
This stew tastes even better the next day.
Freeze in portions for easy meal prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: French, Vegan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 285
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 12g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 0mg