Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew
A hearty, comforting stew with earthy lentils and mushrooms in a rich tomato broth, simmered to perfect tenderness. This mediterranean-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 40 minutes pairs rinsed green lentils, diced carrots, diced celery for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, rinsed green lentils
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 8 oz, sliced mushrooms
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced celery, stirring for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 2: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms and 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 4 minutes until mushrooms release liquid and turn golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup rinsed green lentils, 4 cups chicken broth, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep rinsed green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Creamy Lentil & Mushroom Stew vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made exactly as written. Wouldn't change a thing.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better soups dishes though.
