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Say hello to your new weeknight dinner! This easy lentil stew with mashed potatoes is a great comfort meal which is vegan, gluten-free, protein-rich, and grain-free. You can add your favorite veggies and enjoy this recipe for lunch or dinner.
Easy Lentil Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Have you been looking for a quick and easy to make dinner? A dinner which contains healthy plant-based protein, fiber, and so much flavor? If yes, then definitely check out this easy lentil stew with mashed potatoes. It’s vegan, gluten-free, healthy, grain-free, and super delicious.
Mashed potatoes and lentils, a perfect match?
I love potatoes and mashed potatoes actually remind me of my childhood. My mom used to make them quite often but I don’t remember I ever ate lentils over mashed potatoes. After I saw an Instagram post from Minimalistbaker, one of my favorite bloggers, I fell in love with one of her dishes.
She made a lentil stew over mashed potatoes and I knew I had to try this combo. And let me tell you, this combo is the bomb! A big thanks to Dana for this lovely recipe inspiration.
Lentil Stew Variations
If you follow me on Instagram you might have noticed that I not only love potatoes but also rice. I post a lot of dishes with rice, for example, my beloved vegan chickpea curry or my creamy vegan mushroom risotto.
This lentil stew also tastes great in combination with rice. So if you love to vary your dishes, definitely give it a try with rice as well.
Add Your Favorite Veggies
I have made this easy lentil stew already a couple of times with mushrooms but I love to add different veggies as well. My favorite ones are chopped carrots, pumpkin, and zucchini. And never forget to add finely chopped pickles, they make this dish so special (thanks to my mom and dad for the inspo, haha).
This Lentil Stew Is:
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Healthy
- Protein-rich
- Grain-free
- Easy to make
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
- Flavorful
How To Make Easy Lentil Stew?
The recipe is very easy to make in only a few steps. Check out the recipe below and let me know if you are going to try it! If you do, please leave a comment below and don’t forget to tag me in your Instagram or Facebook post with @elavegan and #elavegan because I love to see your recreations.
Definitely also check out the following recipes for more comfort meals:
- 1-Pot Lentil Dal
- Vegan Chickpea Curry with Eggplant
- Sweet Potato Curry with Spinach
- Vegan Butter Chicken
- Kung Pao Cauliflower
- Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Easy Lentil Stew With Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Lentil stew
- 1 cup dry lentils (190 g) (*see notes)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp oil (for frying)
- 3 tbsp white wine (40 ml) (optional)
- 3 cups vegetable broth (720 ml)
- 2 cups mushrooms sliced (135 g) (*see notes)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (wheat free if gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tsp each of dried parsley, thyme and oregano (use more, if fresh)
- A splash of coconut milk canned (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken)
- sea salt, black pepper and chili flakes to taste
- Chopped pickles to taste (optional)
Mashed potatoes
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (600 g)
- 1/4 cup coconut milk canned (60 ml) (*see notes)
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (or more/less to taste)
- black pepper, sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under running water. I prefer to soak the lentils for about 15 minutes in lukewarm water but this step is optional (discard the water afterwards).
- Meanwhile, chop the onion, garlic, mushrooms (*see notes). Heat oil in a skillet/frying pan, stir in the diced onion, the minced garlic and fry for 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Add mushrooms, dried parsley, thyme, oregano, white wine (optional), balsamic vinegar, soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos to taste) and fry for a further 3-5 minutes.
- Now add the lentils and 3 cups of vegetable broth and cook on low-medium heat (add more broth if needed) until the lentils are tender (about 20 minutes).
- In the meantime, peel and chop potatoes, transfer them to a pot with water + salt and bring to a boil. Cook on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until tender, drain. Transfer back to the pot, add coconut milk, nutmeg, black pepper and sea salt to taste and mash with a potato masher (don't use a food processor or blender).
- Once the lentils are tender, mix a generous splash of coconut milk and cornstarch in a small bowl and add this mixture to the lentil stew. Cook for a further 1 minute or until the desired thickness is reached. Season again with soy sauce (if needed), black pepper, and chili flakes.
- Serve warm, garnish with chopped pickles and fresh herbs (optional).
Notes
- I typically use brown lentils which cook in about 20-25 minutes.
- If you don't like mushrooms, you can make this easy lentil stew with chopped carrots or pumpkin instead.
- You can use any other plant-based milk, however, I would recommend adding at least 1 tbsp of oil if you use e.g. almond milk, oat milk or rice milk since canned coconut milk is higher in fat.
- Recipe serves 4. Nutrition facts are for one serving with the mashed potatoes.
If you are using Pinterest, feel free to pin the following photo:
This recipe is so easy, quick and comforting! I’m always looking for new lentil recipes and this one is a winner. It has made its way into our regular dinner rotation!
Sounds awesome, Stephanie! Glad you liked it. 🙂
I have made this many times and finally remembered the chopped pickles tonight—too kit over the top! My mom makes it all the time as well. Thanks for a family staple!
My pleasure, Adriana! I am glad you like it. 🙂
I found this searching for a recipe to use up some mushrooms. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of your blog as this was a winner. Based on the other reviews I went ahead and doubled the stew so I could have leftovers to freeze. No regrets! My family and I loved it.. Vielen Dank!
You are very welcome, Ann! I am so glad it turned out delicious. Thanks for your kind feedback. 🙂
The stew is absolutely delicious. But I really disliked the potatoes. Maybe I just don’t like nutmeg.
Thanks for your feedback! I love adding nutmeg to potatoes, it’s a tradition in many European countries. 🙂
That was phenomenal! You are a food wizard, thank you so much! Best meal of lock down thus far. I was able to thicken the stew with regular flour, if that’s all you have on hand, you just need a bit more than the amount mentioned for starch. Thanks again.
Awesome! I am glad it turned out tasty!
Thanks for your feedback, Samantha. 🙂
New favourite 🙂
We are now preparing at least 4 recipes per week from your blog and they are all absolute wins. I am very happy that I have got to know your work Ela 🙂 thank you
Aww, that’s amazing, Ivana! I am so glad you are trying out so many of my recipes. Enjoy! 🙂
Delicious. I was searching online for recipes to work with the limited supplies I have on hand… So in case anyone was wondering, this works with other legumes. I used desi moong beans (I think they’re some sort of mung bean…picked them up at a middle-eastern market a while back just because). Didn’t have onion, mushrooms, parsley, coconut milk, chili flakes, or pickles and it was still a tasty dinner. Stay home and stay safe, everyone!
Awesome, I am glad you enjoyed the meal! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂
Does this freeze well? Absolutely delicious !
Hi Deb! Yes, you can definitely freeze the lentil stew. I am glad you liked the recipe. 🙂
Oh my gosh that was absolutely delicious, those mashed potatoes are unbelievable and I just added extra coconut aminos I follow Medical Medium it was so so good I added peas and carrots with the other vegetables and the coconut milk is the key thank you 🙏 I🙏🙏
Yay, I am so glad you loved it, Bonnie! Thanks so much for your review! 🙂
The cooking time on this recipe is waaaay underestimated. It took about 40 minutes to get the lentils cooked. Also, do you cook with the lid on or off? You left that out!
Did you soak the lentils in warm water beforehand? I cook lentils 6 times a week and it never takes more than 20 minutes. However, I always make sure to soak them before I cook them! 🙂
What a lovely dish. I am from Cyprus and we cook lentils quite often. I loved the photo of this stew with sliced fried/baked potatoes and wanted to cook it but in the recipe were mashed potatoes instead. I made the stew only and my family are it all! So delicious! Will try more of your food. Nice to meet you Michaela xx
I am so glad you loved it dear! I will post a recipe for the roasted potatoes soon. 🙂
Hi Ella, how do you make the scalloped potatoes, as in your instagram story?
Here is the recipe link: https://elavegan.com/vegan-scalloped-potatoes/
Much love, Ela
I made this recipe last night. It was so yummy! My husband loves it as well. I think next time will use less lentils. It will definitely be on our rotation. I am new to your blog and have already saved many of your recipes. Thank you so much!
Aww, that’s awesome, Raquel! Thanks so much for your kind feedback. 🙂
Soooo delicious! I tested it before i put the coconut milk and corn starch in, and to be honest, i liked it better without. Both ways is a winner though! Looking forward to trying it with pickles (completely forgot!) this is so easy, it will definitely be a staple in my house!
Thank you!
Awesome! I am glad you liked the recipe, Maia. 🙂
I made this in the instapot. First I cooked sliced potatoes in the IP. Then I made the soup- subs black beans for mushrooms (thank you previous commenter for the tip!). It was amazing!! Got the pickles too 😉
Yay for the pickles! I am glad it turned out delicious, Beth. 🙂
We tried it yesterday and it was very delicious. Next time I should add more broth as was all gone at the end.
Thank you for this great Inspiration.
Thanks so much for your feedback, Sophie! 🙂
I followed the recipe exactly and it was delicious. Everyone in the family loved it and have requested that this dish stay in rotation.
Sounds wonderful! Thanks for your amazing feedback, Samantha. 🙂
Oh im making this today. Thus adding some extras haha.
Enjoy it! 🙂
Hi, this looks amazing! What can I substitute the corn starch for?
Arrowroot flour or tapioca flour. Potato starch should work as well. 🙂
what kinda of herbs would you recommend seasoning it with?
I garnish with fresh parsley most of the time. 🙂
What kind of pickles? I’m planning on making this tomorrow! Can’t wait!
Pickled cucumber! 🙂
Salty or sweet?
Salty!
Fantastic recipe!!! I like lentils but this recipe made me love them!!! and a side note,, thank you for sharing all of these amazing recipes!! Nothing is better that having my husband who is a newly turned vegetarian report that he loves the food I am cooking and is glad he gave up the meat!!!
That’s awesome! I am glad you both enjoyed the recipe. 🙂
My husband took one bite of this and looked at me and said, “Yum! I hope you have seconds [available].” High praise from him especially because he is a trained chef! Haha. I added a ton of garlic powder both to the lentils and to the potatoes because that is what we love. A keeper for sure!
Yay! That’s awesome. Thanks for your wonderful feedback, Kayla! 🙂
Absolutely loved it! I’m in process of trying out your recipes (so far I’ve been only salivating over the photos haha) and this one was first to go, vegan meatballs and lentil soup are next in line. Thank you for great recipes and amazing photos!
Yay, I am happy you loved this one, Kasia! Hope you will also enjoy the other recipes. 🙂
Much love, Ela
This recipes makes me like lentils more! I loved it.
Glad you liked the recipe, George! 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Considering making this with delicata squash. Would you suggest pumpkin over another type of squash?
Do you mean squash/pumpkin instead of mashed potatoes? I never tried it, so cannot say for sure. I would suggest baking the squash/pumpkin in the oven instea of boiling.
Thank you for this recipe, it was delicious! On regular rotation now 🙂
Wonderful! Thanks for your feedback, Hayley! 🙂
Thank you for another super easy and delious meal. The nutmeg in the mash is amazing.
I am finding I don’t even look anywhere else to find meals to cook. Your site is my go to website now. Thank You
Awww, such a sweet compliment! Thanks so much, Bernie. 🙂
Amazing recipe! thanks to recipes/dishes like this one I might actually manage one day to convince my husband to go vegan;-) we both totally loved our and I’m just cooking more potatoes to have it again for lunch tomorrow!
So happy you both loved the recipe! 🙂
this is absolutely yummy!!! I didn’t put pickles because I didn’t have some and instead put some olives and just a liiittle bit of bok choy…. and oh heavens! Unbelievably tasty
thank you so much for such a mouth-watering recipe
So glad you loved the recipe! 🙂
I love the recipe❤️ I made some modifications based on what’s available in my pantry but it still tasted really good. Thank you for the recipe❤️ I loved how simple it is, such recipes encourage me to cook more ??
So happy to hear! 🙂
SO GOOD. A woman in my yoga teacher training made this last weekend for our potluck and I literally danced my way into the eating area after taking a bite. I can’t wait to make it myself! Thank you for sharing it.
Amazing! So happy you all liked it! Thanks for your feedback, Rachel. 🙂
We had this for supper tonight and it was DELICIOUS!
Glad you loved the recipe, Melissa! 🙂
This recipe turned out amazing! I added celery and carrots. I also made it in my crockpot and it came out great! I used sprouted green lentils too and served it over quinoa. Thank you for a fantastic recipe!
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for your great feedback, Sarah! 🙂
This turned out so good, a keeper for sure. I didn’t really make any substitutions or additions, I don’t think it really needed anything different. Thanks for this.
I am glad you loved the recipe! 🙂
I have made this recipe a couple of days ago and my boyfriend and I both loved it! And please mind he is not used to eating anything that does not have any kind of meat in it. So, thank you so much for the inspiration!
You are very welcome, Diana! Happy you liked my recipe. 🙂
This recipe looked so good I had to make it. Tastes great! I also added in some leftover carrots and probably a little more wine than you said. My grocery store only had the green lentils and they take a little longer to cook, but it was worth it. I’m definitely freezing some of it since I made the family size pot and there’s only one of me!
That’s amazing, Margaret! I am so glad it turned out delicious with green lentils. Thanks for your great feedback! 🙂
Can this be made ahead of time and frozen? Anyone trie? Getting ready for Christmas and would like to prepare ahead of time
thanks!!
I never tried it but I am pretty sure you could freeze the lentil stew.
Made this twice already, replaced the mushrooms with black beans (husband do not like mushrooms). One of my favorite recipes so far. Sooo good! Thank you!
Thanks a lot for your feedback, Gabriela! 🙂
This has become a go to recipe for me. I use canned lentils when im in a rush and decrease the broth accordingly. Love this!!!
Awesome! Thanks a lot for your great feedback. ❤️
Did not make it vegan, but the recipe is ridiculously GOOD!
I have a silly question. Are brown lentils the same as French lentils?
Hi Dawn, I never heard of French lentils before but if the package says that they have the same cooking time as brown lentils then you can use them. 🙂
Frensh lentils are puy lentils
This is a delicious recipe. Love the flavors in the stew. I added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mashed potatoes. Love the nutmeg in the mashed potatoes..
So glad you liked my recipe! Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
Hi. This looks yummy. I am still breastfeeding & my baby is allergic to coconut & wheat. I can figure out what to substitute for the coconut milk, but any suggestions for the soy sauce?
Hi Anna! You can simply use wheat-free soy sauce (that’s what I always use) or coconut aminos. 🙂
And any plant-based milk/cream will be fine.
Is there any way you can throw this into a pressure cooker? I can saute the yummy veggies. I just found your recipes and WOW!!! I am ready for some flavor 🙂
Thank you, Chantel! Even though I never tried it, I think it should be fine to make it in a pressure cooker. 🙂
Did you try to make in the pressure cooker? I want to try in crock pot or Intant Pot.
I haven’t tried it in a pressure cooker yet! Should work fine though.
Was very good. I added carrots and kale.
That’s great! Thanks for your feedback, Kim. 🙂
This recipe was fantastic. It’s the first I made from this site. I am not a vegan or vegetarian but I have been trying to decrease my consumption of meat and hope to one day become a vegetarian. Thank you for creating such a great recipe to add to my list of vegan recipes. I will be adding this recipe to my rotation of recipes. Also, I am not a big pickle person so I was hesitant about adding them but they worked well in this recipe.
Thank you, Jessica! I am very happy you liked my recipe. 🙂
I made these again today, but turned it into mini pot pies. I added shredded vegan cheese to the potatoes and put them on top of the pies. Worked beautifully.
So glad you liked my recipe, Chiara. 🙂
What a great idea for the pot pies!! I am so going to do that, thanks 🙂
I made this for dinner last night – just added carrots and a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste. It could do with a little more flavour – I’ll try adding more chilli flakes next time. Otherwise, this was a lovely meal – easy to prepare and no leftovers as people went back for seconds.
I am so excited to try this. I am going to make it tonight, but I think I am going to make mashed sweet potatoes and regular mashed potatoes, simply because ALL three of my kids do not like mashed potatoes! Hopefully the sweet potatoes will work well!
Yes, I tried it once and liked it! I prefer regular mashed potatoes though. 🙂
Can this be easily altered to incorporate canned lentils?
Hi, Alysha! Like already answered in the previous comment: “Yes, I guess so. You will need to use way less broth though. ????”
Roughly how much less?
I would say 2 cups less. 🙂
Hello!
Would i be able to use the already made lentils they sell in the produce section?
Yes, I guess so. You will need to use way less broth though. 🙂
This was the the Best lentil dish! Thank you for this amazing recipe! Family and Children approved ????
Yay, I am so happy you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to leave a nice feedback. 🙂
Tried it for lunch today and it was so so delicious ! Having the leftovers for dinner with rice 🙂 thanks so much !
Yay, that’s wonderful! Thank you 🙂
Hi Ela,
I made this recipe last night, and it was absolutely delicious. I’ts definitely going to be a regular meal in our house from now on. Perfect!
Thanks for your feedback, Janice! I am happy it turned out delicious. 🙂
Hi could this be made in a slow cooker as sometimes i am time restricted?
It looks amazing as all your recipes do
Hello Danijela, never made this dish in a slow cooker but I guess it should work. Please report back if you give it a try. 🙂
I will def thank you so much
How did it go in the slow cooker?
I’m 5 months pregnant and craving decadent comfort food — so this is the perfect hearty yet healthy and guilt-free fix for me these days! Added zucchini, pumpkin and carrots as well. Delish! The only teensy thing I didn’t like was the nutmeg in the potatoes, but I’ve since made the recipe twice without the nutmeg and now it’s a fave.
Hey Caroline, I am glad you liked my recipe. Nutmeg in mashed potatoes is very common in Germany and most people absolutely adore it. But leaving it out is, of course, no problem at all. 🙂
This recipe looks awesomely delicious!! I will probably have it will Mashed Cauliflower instead of the potatoes to cut down on the carbs, cannot wait to try this soon, thank you for sharing????????????
You are welcome, Kathy! I hope you will like my recipe. 🙂
Just finished stuffing myself with this awesome meal.. Although.i know I’ve had enough, I can’t stop and neither can my partner. Thankfully I almost tripled this recipe so there’s plenty of left overs for tomorrow’s lunch????????????
Thank you Ela ☘????☘
That’s amazing! So happy it turned out yummy. 🙂
So delicious and healthy Ela! I love the addition of white wine, that’s so interesting. Dee xx
Thanks so much, Dee. Yes, adding wine adds so much flavor which I love.
I hope you will give it a try. 🙂
Delicious! I really enjoyed this meal. Thank you.
So glad you enjoyed it, Kevin! Thanks for your feedback. 🙂
Pregnant and am making this for dinner tonight! Hope I can do it justice, it’s already making my mouth water. Thanks for sharing it!
I hope it turned out delicious, Hedy. 🙂
Just now making this. What kind of pickles?
I always add cornichons (mini cucumber pickles). 🙂
This looks so scrumptious Ela ???? I lovvvvve potatoes, and mushrooms! I never would have thought to add pickles! Very interesting ????
Thank you, Jodi! Oh, you should definitely give it a try. Pickles and lentils are a great combo. ????❤️
This lentil stew looks so good to me!????
I love mashed potatoes and lentils! So I think I will definitely try the recipe!
Much love,
Bianca ????❤️
That’s awesome, Bianca! I hope you will like my recipe. 🙂
Much love, Ela ❤️
Another amazing recipe. You make it easy and delicious to be and stay vegan. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.
Thanks so much for your sweet compliment, Em. 🙂
I made this recipe today( no oil ) my family and I loved it so much thank you so much we really enjoyed it and definitely will make it again ????
Yay, that’s awesome! Thanks so much for letting me know, Mimi .)
Oh I love this recipe. Reminds of you the traditional German dish. Sending love to you.
Thank you, Annelina! I hope you will give it a try. 🙂
Lots of love,
Ela
I did this recipe for the 1st time it was so delicious
So glad you liked my recipe! 🙂
Where can i find the recipe for green peas… i cant find
Not sure which recipe you mean. This is an easy lentil stew. If you want to make it with peas, you can simply sub peas for lentils.