One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil Stew
A hearty, smoky stew combining earthy mushrooms and protein-rich lentils, simmered until tender and bursting with deep umami flavors. This mediterranean-inspired vegan ready in about 65 minutes pairs olive oil, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 cup, rinsed dry brown lentils
- 1 large, diced carrot
- 1, diced celery stalk
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, then add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, cooking for 5 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown around edges.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed dry brown lentils, 1 diced large carrot, and 1 diced celery stalk, stirring to combine.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until lentils and vegetables are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, stir well, and cook for an additional 5 minutes before serving hot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil Stew take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (15 min prep + 50 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 One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil 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 One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil 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 One-Pot Smoky Mushroom and Lentil 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.
