Lentil Stew over Mashed Potatoes

Yum! Lentil stew over mashed potatoes is such a cozy, comforting meal — hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a meatless dinner. Here’s a tasty recipe for a rich Lentil Stew served over creamy mashed potatoes:

🥣 Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 4–6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Lentil Stew:

• 1 ½ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped (optional)

For the Mashed Potatoes:

• 2 lbs (about 4 large) potatoes, peeled and chopped

• 4 tbsp butter

• ½ cup milk or cream (adjust for desired creaminess)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook Mashed Potatoes:

• Place peeled potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a pinch of salt.

• Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.

• Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Keep warm.

2. Prepare Lentil Stew:

• While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

• Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

• Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until lentils are tender and stew thickens.

• Stir occasionally, adding more broth if stew gets too thick.

• In the last 5 minutes, stir in chopped spinach or kale if using.

3. Serve:

• Spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto plates or bowls.

• Ladle hot lentil stew over the mashed potatoes.

• Garnish with fresh herbs if desired (parsley or cilantro work great).

Tips:

• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the stew at the end to brighten flavors.

• For extra protein, add cooked sausage or smoked tofu.

• Use red lentils for a quicker-cooking, softer stew (reduce simmer time accordingly).