Ultimate Lentil Mushroom Stew: Hearty & Flavorful One-Pot Meal

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Mushroom Stew

• Quick Cleanup: This is a one-pot wonder. Less time cleaning, more time enjoying.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to swap out veggies or add your favorite herbs.
• Packed with Nutrients: Lentils, mushrooms, and potatoes? This stew is a nutritional powerhouse, providing a fantastic, nutritious start to your morning or a satisfying lunch.
• Budget-Friendly: Wholesome doesn’t have to mean expensive. This recipe is easy on the wallet, offering a delicious and easy, iron-rich meal option for any day of the week.
  

Instructions:

1. Heat a large rimmed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add oil or water and shallot and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add mushrooms and coconut aminos and increase heat to medium-high. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Add thyme, lentils, and 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml // or the smaller end of the range if adjusting recipe size). Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook on low for about 20 minutes, adding more broth as needed if the mixture looks dry.
4. In the meantime, add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water so they are just submerged. Bring to a boil on high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes or until they slide off easily when pierced with a knife.
5. Once tender, drain potatoes and add back to pot or a mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil and mash until tender and fluffy. For added moisture in place of oil, add unsweetened plain almond milk or vegetable broth.
6. Once lentils are tender, taste sauce and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt or coconut aminos for saltiness, pepper for spice, or tomato paste for more depth of flavor (optional – we didn’t find it necessary). Turn off heat and let the mixture rest so flavors can deepen. Add the 2 Tbsp (30 g // or more as needed) mashed potatoes to the lentil mushroom stew and stir in to thicken.
7. To serve, divide mashed potatoes between serving plates or bowls and top with desired amount of lentil and mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley, vegan parmesan cheese, or more thyme, if desired.
8. Store leftovers separately, covered, up to 4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in a 350 degree F (176 C) oven until hot.

Why This Lentil Mushroom Stew Is Iron-Rich

This lentil mushroom stew is a smart choice if you’re looking to boost your iron intake naturally. Lentils are one of the best plant-based sources of iron, offering around 3 mg of iron per cooked ½ cup. Mushrooms also provide small amounts of iron, along with antioxidants and key nutrients. The addition of potatoes helps with vitamin C, which supports better iron absorption. And if you garnish with parsley, you’re adding even more iron and vitamin C. Altogether, this stew combines ingredients that not only taste great together—but also work to help your body absorb and use iron more effectively.

Table of contents

Table of Contents

How to Make Lentil Mushroom Stew: Step-by-Step

• Heat a large rimmed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add oil or water and shallot and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. [process photo]
• Add mushrooms and coconut aminos and increase heat to medium-high. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Add thyme, lentils, and 2 cups vegetable broth (480 ml // or the smaller end of the range if adjusting recipe size). Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook on low for about 20 minutes, adding more broth as needed if the mixture looks dry. [process photo]
• In the meantime, add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water so they are just submerged. Bring to a boil on high heat and cook for 12-15 minutes or until they slide off easily when pierced with a knife. [process photo]
• Once tender, drain potatoes and add back to pot or a mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil and mash until tender and fluffy. For added moisture in place of oil, add unsweetened plain almond milk or vegetable broth. [process photo]
• Once lentils are tender, taste sauce and adjust flavor as needed, adding more salt or coconut aminos for saltiness, pepper for spice, or tomato paste for more depth of flavor (optional – we didn’t find it necessary). Turn off heat and let the mixture rest so flavors can deepen. Add the 2 Tbsp (30 g // or more as needed) mashed potatoes to the lentil mushroom stew and stir in to thicken. [process photo]
• To serve, divide mashed potatoes between serving plates or bowls and top with desired amount of lentil and mushroom gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley, vegan parmesan cheese, or more thyme, if desired. [process photo]
• Store leftovers separately, covered, up to 4 days in the refrigerator or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop or in a 350 degree F (176 C) oven until hot.

Recipe Variations: Make It Your Own!

Variation	Description
Spicier	Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
Smoky	Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Different Herbs	Try rosemary, sage, or oregano instead of thyme.
Different Vegetables	Add carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Mushroom Stew

To get the perfect texture, make sure you simmer the lentils on low heat. This will prevent them from becoming mushy. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking, a little extra coconut aminos can really enhance the savory flavor. Adding the mashed potatoes at the end is my secret weapon for a creamy, thick stew. If you enjoy other creamy and easy appetizers, you’ll love this recipe too.

Serving Suggestions for Lentil Mushroom Stew

This lentil mushroom stew is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread for dipping. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the stew. For a heartier meal, consider serving it over quinoa or brown rice.

Storing Lentil Mushroom Stew

To store leftovers, let the stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Lentil Mushroom Stew: Ingredient Sourcing

I like to source my lentils from local health food stores. Fresh thyme can often be found at your local farmer’s market. For the cremini mushrooms, I usually get them from the organic section of my grocery store.

Adaptations: Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Instructions

Slow Cooker:

1. Sauté the shallots and mushrooms as directed in the recipe.
2. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
3. Add the remaining ingredients (except mashed potatoes) to the slow cooker.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the mashed potatoes before serving.

Instant Pot:

1. Use the sauté function to cook the shallots and mushrooms.
2. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and other seasonings.
3. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the mashed potatoes and serve.

Is Lentil Mushroom Stew Healthy? Understanding the Nutrition

This lentil mushroom stew is packed with nutrients. Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Mushrooms provide essential vitamins and minerals, while potatoes add potassium and carbohydrates for energy. This stew is a great way to get a balanced and nutritious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: 350 Protein: 15g Fat: 10g Carbohydrates: 50g Fiber: 15g

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this lentil mushroom stew as much as I do! It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What are your favorite variations? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create!