Description
This hearty Vegan Mushroom Stew is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and packed with vegetables. Baby Bella mushrooms, tender potatoes, and protein-rich lentils come together in a flavorful, one-pot meal that’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or anytime you crave a cozy and nourishing dish.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup sliced celery
16 oz baby Bella mushrooms, halved
6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried sage
2 tablespoons flour
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
16 oz baby yellow potatoes, halved
1 cup uncooked split red lentils
1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
3 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
Kosher salt, to taste
Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery along with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add mushrooms and herbs: Stir in the halved mushrooms, sliced garlic, thyme, oregano, and sage. Season again with a little salt and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Thicken with flour: Add the flour and stir well to coat all the vegetables. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Deglaze: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and soy sauce to deglaze the pot. Stir to loosen any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the halved potatoes, lentils, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and a bit more salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low. Let simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the stew thickens.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add frozen peas, canned chickpeas, or chopped green beans for more variety.
- For extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cumin.
- Swap in chopped kale or spinach near the end for a nutritional boost.
- Use green lentils if you prefer a firmer texture—just extend the cooking time.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
