Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika
A hearty vegan stew featuring earthy mushrooms and lentils, slowly simmered with smoked paprika and root vegetables for depth and warmth. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan) ready in about 65 minutes pairs rinsed brown lentils, sliced cremini mushrooms, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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 brown lentils
- 8 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 2 medium, diced carrot
- 2, diced celery stalks
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
- Step 3: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release moisture and begin to brown.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup rinsed brown lentils, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until lentils are tender and stew thickens.
- Step 7: Remove bay leaf, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and adjust seasoning before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 brown lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika?
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 Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika 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 Subterranean Mushroom and Lentil Stew with Smoked Paprika 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.
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