Description
Hearty Lentil Stew and Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl is a cozy, comforting vegetarian main dish: earthy lentil stew ladled over fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes for a nourishing, budget-friendly dinner that’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, and family dinners. This plant-based bowl delivers protein and fiber, with easy customization and nourishing warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups cooked green or brown lentils
- 1½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter or plant-based butter
- ½ cup milk or plant-based milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy. Keep warm.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and carrots and sauté until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until the stew thickens.
- Spoon mashed potatoes into bowls and top generously with lentil stew. Serve warm on its own or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Make ahead: The lentil stew can be prepared 1 day in advance; reheat gently and serve over mashed potatoes.
- Vegan option: Use vegan butter and plant-based milk, and ensure your broth is vegan.
- Leftovers: Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days; freeze for longer storage.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free cornstarch and broth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 99 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Hearty Lentil Stew, Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl, vegetarian dinner, plant-based meal, comfort food, budget-friendly, weeknight dinner, meal prep, cozy bowl