Description
This comforting Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes recipe combines hearty lentil stew flavored with aromatic spices and sautéed vegetables, paired perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a wholesome, soul-warming meal ideal for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Lentil Stew
- 1 cup lentils
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Rinse Lentils: Thoroughly rinse 1 cup of lentils under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, heat some oil or butter and sauté the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and thyme and cook for about 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Cook Lentils: Add the rinsed lentils and 4 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
- Boil Potatoes: Meanwhile, in another pot, add the peeled and cubed potatoes, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash Potatoes: Drain the cooked potatoes, then mash them with 1/4 cup milk and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Season Stew: Season the lentil stew with salt and black pepper according to your preference, stirring well to combine.
- Serve: Plate the lentil stew alongside a generous portion of mashed potatoes for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use vegetable broth with herbs or homemade broth.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to taste; adding a splash of lemon juice can brighten the stew.
- If you prefer a thicker stew, cook lentils a bit longer or mash some lentils directly in the pot.
- Use a potato masher or ricer for fluffier mashed potatoes.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by substituting butter with plant-based margarine and milk with a nut milk.
