Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes
A hearty dish full of warmth and flavor, featuring tender lentils and creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
For the stew
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth Using homemade broth enhances flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 leaf bay leaf
- to taste Salt & pepper
- 2 Tbsp olive oil For cooking.
For the mashed potatoes
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 Tbsp butter (or margarine)
For garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped Optional.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become slightly tender and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, taking in the aroma as the garlic becomes fragrant.
Cooking the stew
- Stir in the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender, stirring occasionally.
Making the mashed potatoes
- While the lentils are cooking, place the chopped potatoes in a separate pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until they are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk, then mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Once the lentils are cooked and tender, adjust the seasoning of the stew if necessary. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve the lentil stew hot, topped with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Rinse your lentils well to remove any dirt or debris before cooking. For added depth of flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth. If time permits, let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving to meld flavors. This dish freezes well, so consider making a double batch for quick meals. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, to enhance nutrition and flavor.