There’s something about a Hearty Lentil Stew & Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl that just warms the soul. Imagine a bowl filled with rich, savory lentils mingling with tender vegetables, all embraced by an aromatic broth that has your taste buds dancing. guilt-free mashed potato alternative It’s like a big hug in a bowl—comfort food at its finest! The creamy mashed potatoes are the cherry on top (or should I say, the fluffy cloud), inviting you to dive right in and savor every last bite. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Vegetable Soup recipe.

This dish isn’t just for cold winter nights; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. I remember the first time I whipped up this recipe; my friends were skeptical at first. But as soon as they took that first spoonful, their eyes widened with delight. cozy stuffed pepper soup They were hooked! Let me tell you, nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing everyone gather around the table, eagerly dipping into their Hearty Lentil Stew & Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl. cheesy stuffed flank steak sweet potato hash for breakfast.

I recently made this dish during a rainy weekend getaway with friends, and it was a hit!

this recipe

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: These lentils hold their shape well and are packed with protein and fiber

• Carrots: Choose firm carrots for sweetness; they add vibrant color and nutrition to your stew

• Celery Stalks: Fresh celery brings crunch and enhances the stew’s flavor profile beautifully

• Onion: A sweet onion will caramelize nicely and provide a base layer of flavor

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential for adding depth; chop finely for maximum flavor infusion

• Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes create a rich broth—opt for fire-roasted variety for extra smokiness

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to keep control over salt levels without sacrificing flavor

• Spices (Cumin, Paprika, Bay Leaves): Essential spices bring warmth; adjust according to your spice preference

• Peeled Potatoes: Opt for starchy varieties like Russet for creamy mashed potatoes that are out of this world

• Butter or Olive Oil: Use butter for classic creaminess or olive oil for a lighter touch in your mash

• Milk or Cream: Add milk or cream to achieve that velvety texture in your mashed potatoes

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

**Chop Your Veggies**: Start by chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into small pieces. Slicing them evenly ensures they cook uniformly and release their delicious flavors.

**Sautéing Aromatics**: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic—cook until they turn translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step creates an aromatic base that sets up the whole dish.

**Add Lentils and Broth**: Toss in rinsed lentils along with diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to simmer for about 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.

**Incorporate Vegetables**: Stir in chopped carrots and celery once lentils soften up. Season generously with cumin, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper before letting it simmer another 15-20 minutes.

**Prepare Creamy Mashed Potatoes**: While your stew simmers away happily on the stovetop, peel and chop those potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender—about 15-20 minutes will do!

**Mash It Up!**: Drain potatoes before returning them to the pot; add butter and milk (or cream) while mashing vigorously until smooth and creamy—a little seasoning goes a long way here!

Now comes the best part: serve up generous portions of hearty lentil stew over fluffy mashed potatoes. Maybe add some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every comforting bite as you reminisce about those rainy days spent together around the table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add lentils and broth. Let that simmer while you prepare the mashed potatoes. This ensures everything cooks evenly and the flavors blend perfectly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs! Adding kale or spinach can boost nutritional value, while a splash of lemon juice adds brightness to the stew.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water if it thickens.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of cozy winter nights spent with my grandmother, who always made her famous lentil stew when we visited. It became our family tradition.

FAQ

Can I use dried lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just remember to soak them overnight for softer texture.

How do I make the mashed potatoes creamier?

Add more butter and milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! It’s entirely plant-based and packed with flavor, perfect for everyone.

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Hearty Lentil Stew & Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl

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• Author: Hellen
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Warm your soul with this Hearty Lentil Stew & Creamy Mashed Potato Bowl, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This delightful bowl features tender lentils and vibrant vegetables simmered in a savory broth, served over fluffy, creamy mashed potatoes. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this recipe promises to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Dive into each bite of this nutritious powerhouse that combines rich flavors and heartwarming nostalgia.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium sweet onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 oz can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 tbsp butter or olive oil
• ½ cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into small pieces.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil then reduce to simmer for 30-35 minutes until lentils are tender.
4. Stir in chopped carrots and celery; season with cumin, paprika, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 15-20 minutes.
5. Boil peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (15-20 minutes), drain and mash with butter and milk until creamy.
6. Serve the hearty lentil stew over mashed potatoes; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Fiber: 24g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 20mg