Hearty Lentil Stew & Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl
A comforting bowl of hearty lentil stew paired with creamy mashed potatoes, perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
For the Hearty Lentil Stew
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 tablespoons butter for mashed potatoes
- ½ cup milk for mashed potatoes
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the rinsed lentils, cumin, and thyme. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the stew to simmer for 20-25 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Mashed Potatoes
- While the stew cooks, prepare the mashed potatoes. Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and return them to the saucepan.
- Add butter and milk to the drained potatoes. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting the milk for your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
Serving
- Once the lentils are tender, taste and adjust the seasoning of the stew. Serve the lentil stew in bowls, topped with a generous scoop of the creamy mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For added depth, consider using homemade vegetable broth. If you like a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. To save time, boil the potatoes while the stew simmers. This dish freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Experiment with additional vegetables, like spinach or kale, for added nutrition.