True Vegan Mushroom & Lentil Stew

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Hearty, savory stew with earthy mushrooms, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic vegetables, simmered to perfection for a comforting meal. This vegetarian-inspired soups (vegan) ready in about 45 minutes pairs Brown lentils, sliced Cremini mushrooms, medium diced Carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Vegetarian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Sauté for 6 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp tomato paste, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup brown lentils, 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 4 cups vegetable stock. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender and stew has thickened slightly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning. For extra depth, simmer uncovered for 5 more minutes to reduce liquid to desired consistency. Serve hot with crusty bread.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does True Vegan Mushroom & Lentil Stew take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 True Vegan Mushroom & 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 brown lentils from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in True Vegan Mushroom & 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 True Vegan Mushroom & Lentil Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 True Vegan Mushroom & 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.

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