Meals

Cozy Lentil Stew Over Creamy Mashed Potatoes

September 26, 2025 /

There’s something deeply comforting about a hearty stew spooned over a cloud of mashed potatoes. This Lentil Stew over Mashed Potatoes is a plant-based dish that’s filling, protein-rich, and full of flavor. Think of it as shepherd’s pie reimagined in a bowl: earthy lentils simmered with vegetables, warm spices, and a hint of citrus, all soaking into fluffy potatoes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends in.

Ingredients

For the lentil stew:

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed
  • 2 ½ tbsp olive oil (adds a silkier finish than just 2)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tsp tomato paste (boosts richness — optional but recommended)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 3 ½ cups vegetable broth (slightly more liquid for a saucier finish)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 bay leaf (optional, but adds depth)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of ½ a lemon

For the mashed potatoes:

  • 2 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (or vegan butter for plant-based)
  • ½ cup warm milk (or unsweetened plant milk)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the lentil stew

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6–7 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
  3. Stir in garlic, red bell pepper, and tomato paste. Cook another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, peas, broth, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 30–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and stew thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash more broth.
  6. Stir in parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning. Remove bay leaf if used.

2. Make the mashed potatoes

  1. While stew simmers, place potatoes in a pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
  2. Drain and return to the pot. Mash with butter and warm milk until creamy. Season with salt to taste.

3. Assemble and serve

Scoop a generous mound of mashed potatoes into bowls. Ladle the lentil stew over the top, letting the juices soak into the mash. Garnish with extra parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if you’d like.

Tips & Variations

  • Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale in the last 5 minutes for extra nutrients.
  • Make it smoky: Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of chipotle powder.
  • Meal prep friendly: The stew tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

This Lentil Stew over Mashed Potatoes is proof that comfort food can be both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a bowl of cozy goodness that feels like a hug from the inside out.

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