Lentil Stew with Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes Recipe!

Lentil Stew with Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Lentil Stew:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils (rinsed and drained)

• 1 large carrot, diced

• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh thyme or parsley (for garnish)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet), peeled and chopped

• 3 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Lentil Stew

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and fragrant.

2. Add Spices and Vegetables:

   • Stir in the cumin, paprika, and turmeric (if using). Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to release their aroma.

   • Add the diced carrots, potatoes, and lentils to the pot, mixing well with the onions and spices.

3. Add Liquid:

   • Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with juice). Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the Stew:

   • Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally and check for seasoning, adding salt and pepper to taste.

5. Finish with Peas:

   • About 10 minutes before the stew is done, add the frozen peas. Let them cook through.

6. Serve:

   • Once the stew is done, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes:

   • In a large pot, add the chopped potatoes and cover them with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender (about 15-20 minutes).

2. Mash the Potatoes:

   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk if desired.

3. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Step 3: Serve Together

• Serve a generous portion of lentil stew in a bowl, topped with a scoop of mashed potatoes. You can either stir the mashed potatoes into the stew or enjoy them on the side.

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! The lentil stew can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Reheat gently before serving. The mashed potatoes can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge. To reheat, add a little milk and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, use plant-based butter and milk for the mashed potatoes. For the lentil stew, ensure your vegetable broth is vegan (most store-bought broths are).

Q3: What other vegetables can I add to the lentil stew?

You can customize the stew with other vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, spinach, or kale. You could even add mushrooms for extra umami flavor.

Q4: Can I freeze the lentil stew?

Absolutely! The lentil stew freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Q5: What can I serve with the lentil stew and mashed potatoes?

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You could also serve some crusty bread or garlic bread on the side for extra comfort.

Q6: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure that any packaged ingredients (like vegetable broth) are labeled gluten-free.

Q7: How do I prevent the stew from being too thick or too thin?

To adjust the consistency, you can always add more broth or water if the stew becomes too thick while simmering. If the stew is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up. The lentils will also help absorb some of the liquid as they cook.

Q8: Can I add meat to the lentil stew?

Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage if you prefer a meat version. Brown the meat before adding the vegetables and spices in the initial steps.

Q9: Can I make the mashed potatoes with skins on?

Yes, you can make mashed potatoes with the skins on for a more rustic texture. Just make sure to scrub the potatoes well before cooking.