Vegan Lentil Stew with Mushrooms

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Try this vegan lentil stew that is chock full of vegetables and protein from the lentils and mushrooms. A warm and comforting meal that is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.

white bowl of mashed potatoes topped by lentil stew on top of wooden cutting board

This delicious recipe combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with protein and fiber-rich lentils, creating a nutritious and filling meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Olive oil
Lentils
Shallot
Carrot
Garlic
Mushrooms
Vegetable stock
Nutritional yeast
Fresh thyme
Cornstarch
Vegan butter
Soy milk

Instructions

In a large skillet with a thick bottom, melt vegan butter or heat olive oil. Sauté onions and carrots over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

skillet on hot plate holding carrots and shallots

Increase heat to medium and add mushrooms. Cook for 8-10 minutes until no liquid remains. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

mushrooms in pan with carrots on hot plate

minced garlic on top of cooked carrots and mushrooms in skillet

Combine mushrooms, vegetables, and lentils. Season with thyme and nutritional yeast. Mix in cornstarch.

skillet of lentils stew before broth is added

Pour vegetable stock, reduce heat, and cover. Stir occasionally and cook for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender. Add more stock if needed.

Finish with a bit of vegan butter and soy milk for creaminess.

Serve your stew alone, or over a bowl of potatoes, rice, or noodles.

white bowl of potatoes topped by thick stew with lentils and carrots

Substitutions

Want to make some changes to this vegan lentil stew recipe? No worries, there are lots of options depending on your diet and personal taste. Some simple ideas for ingredient substitutions:

You can substitute any other oil of your choice, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or sunflower oil
Use any type of lentils you prefer, such as green, brown, or black lentils.
If you don't have a shallot, you could use a small white onion or even green onion instead
You can substitute other root vegetables, such as parsnips, sweet potatoes, or turnips
Use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic
You can use any type of mushrooms you prefer, such as button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or cremini mushrooms.
Use mushroom stock instead of vegetable
You could use other herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
Use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch
You can use any type of non-dairy milk you prefer, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.

With these substitutions, you can customize the recipe to your liking and make it work with the ingredients you have on hand.

white bowl of stew on top of potatoes sitting on table with wooden cutting board

Variations

While the substitutions above work great for giving this recipe something unique, you'll find the ideas below also add more flavor or a variation that you may enjoy.

You could add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, celery, or green beans
Make it spicier by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder
Make it more flavorful by adding some white wine or a splash of balsamic vinegar
Garnish the stew with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro

Storage Tips

This vegan lentil stew with mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You can also freeze this soup for up to two months. To do so, let it cool down completely then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or bag. I recommend storing in 1-cup portions to make it easier to thaw and reheat.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in a microwave before serving.

bowl of mushroom carrot and lentil stew on top of wood board

Equipment

Want to update your kitchen with new tools? Check out our picks below for quality kitchenware to add to your cooking routine.

Top Tip

The key to making a delicious vegan lentil stew is to make sure you cook the vegetables properly. Make sure they are cooked through, but not mushy. If they are overcooked, they will become soggy and lose their flavor.

white bowl of stew in front of silver stockpot of stew

FAQ

How long does it take to make lentil stew with mushrooms?

This recipe takes a little less than 1 hour from start to finish. If you use already cooked lentils, this time can be cut down by 15 to 20 minutes.

What goes with lentil stew?

This is a recipe that is full of vegetables and protein. It's easy to serve this all by itself. However, I recommend pairing it with a salad and roti or naan.

Need more soups in your menu? Whether you want a traditional recipe or a spin on a classic, below are a few family favorites to consider.

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Pairing

What do you serve alongside stew? This recipe has warm flavors and is perfect for pairing with the recipes below. Bookmark your favorites.