Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew: Protein-Rich Meal Prep (Print Version)
Nourishing vegan lentil mushroom stew packed with plant-based protein. Easy to make, perfect for healthy meal prep and satisfying weeknight dinners.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
02 -
1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
03 -
6 cups vegetable broth
04 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Aromatic Depth & Spice Blend
05 -
1 tbsp olive oil
06 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
2 carrots, peeled and diced
09 -
2 celery stalks, diced
10 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
11 -
1 tsp dried oregano
12 -
1/2 tsp dried thyme
13 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 -
1/4 tsp ground cumin
15 -
1 bay leaf
→ Finishing Touches & Brightness
16 -
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
17 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
18 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1 large yellow onion (diced), 2 carrots (diced), and 2 celery stalks (diced). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
02 -
Stir in 3 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. This creates a rich base for your Hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew: Protein & Meal Prep.
03 -
Add 1 cup rinsed brown or green lentils, 1 lb sliced cremini mushrooms, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 6 cups vegetable broth, and 1 bay leaf to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
04 -
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This slow simmer develops the deep flavors of your Hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew: Protein & Meal Prep.
05 -
Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. Season your Hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew: Protein & Meal Prep generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor.
06 -
Ladle the warm stew into bowls. Garnish each serving with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. For the best Hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew: Protein & Meal Prep, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
# Notes:
01 -
This Hearty Vegan Lentil Mushroom Stew is excellent for meal prep! It tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
02 -
Feel free to swap cremini mushrooms for shiitake or button mushrooms. You can also add other vegetables like diced potatoes or spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
03 -
Serve this protein-packed stew with a side of crusty bread, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete and satisfying meal.
04 -
For an extra layer of richness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of red pepper flakes can brighten up the stew just before serving.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Stirring spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 193 kcal
Total Fat: 3 g
Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
Protein: 12 g