Description
Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes: a hearty, cozy vegetarian main dish featuring tender lentils simmered with vegetables in a rich tomato broth, served over creamy mashed potatoes. This budget-friendly comfort food delivers protein, fiber, and flavor for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dry lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan option)
- 4 tbsp butter (or olive oil for vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until lentils are tender and the stew thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, make the mashed potatoes: Boil chopped potatoes in salted water for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and mash with milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy.
- Serve a generous scoop of mashed potatoes topped with hearty lentil stew.
Notes
- Vegan option: use plant-based butter substitutes and plant-based milk in the mashed potatoes.
- For a thicker stew, simmer a bit longer or mash a portion of the lentils to thicken naturally.
- Leftovers refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
- You can customize with additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes, lentil stew, mashed potatoes, vegetarian stew, comfort food, budget-friendly dinner, hearty plant-based meal, easy weeknight dinner, protein-rich lentils