Go Back
Lentil stew over mashed potatoes served in a white bowl on a rustic table.
SavorAndSpice

One-Pot Lentil Stew over Mashed Potatoes | A Hearty Meal

This hearty lentil stew over mashed potatoes is a cozy, one-pot meal packed with wholesome lentils, tender vegetables, and rich flavors. Perfect for weeknights, lunch, or a comforting dinner, it’s easy to prepare, filling, and full of nutrition.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, vegetarian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • Fresh parsley chopped (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Knife and chopping board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Rinse lentils thoroughly, chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, and measure out your spices.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle in cumin and smoked paprika, stirring for 30 seconds. Add lentils and bay leaf, coating them in the aromatic mixture.
  4. Add vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
  5. Adjust salt and black pepper as needed.
  6. Place mashed potatoes on each plate, ladle the lentil stew on top, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: The stew can be prepared a day in advance. Store in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of vegetable broth.
  • Mashed Potatoes: For best results, serve the mashed potatoes fresh. Reheat with a little butter or milk if making ahead.
  • Adjust Thickness: If the stew is too thick, add extra vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Flavor Boost: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. You can add extra smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs for a richer flavor.