Delicious Vegan Lentil Stew – A Nutrient Rich Dish

When the weather is cold and damp, you want a meal that will warm you up from the inside. Something that’s both filling and comforting without requiring much effort in the kitchen. And if it could be healthy as well, that’s a bonus!

Lentil stew is healthy and hearty, a filling dish low on calories without compromising taste.

With a thinner texture than soup, this stew is packed with veggies and seasonings that are entirely customizable. It’s also vegetarian, vegan, and naturally gluten-free (Also check out Easy To Make Vegetarian Stew Recipes).

Perfect for batch cooking, healthy vegan lentil stew will become your go-to cold-weather meal. It’s loaded with protein and rich in fiber to keep you feeling full when it gets chilly.

Ready to make vegan lentil stew? Discover the recipe (and why you’ll fall in love with it) with our guide.

What Is Vegan Lentil Stew?

Vegan Lentil Stew is a comforting, nutrient-rich dish from simmering lentils, vegetables, and herbs in a flavorful broth. 

This plant-based delicacy boasts high protein and fiber content, thanks to the lentils, and is further enriched with vitamins and minerals from vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and leafy greens. 

Often seasoned with herbs like thyme and rosemary, it offers a satisfying depth of flavor. Ideal for cold weather or any time you crave a wholesome meal, it’s a versatile favorite that caters to both health and palate.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

• Keto Replace potatoes with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini. Opt for coconut oil for cooking and add a splash of coconut cream for richness.
• Paleo Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes and substitute bone broth for vegetable broth.
• Gluten-Free The basic recipe is already gluten-free. Just ensure that the vegetable broth you use is certified gluten-free.
• Whole30 Skip the potatoes and use turnips or sweet potatoes. Make sure the vegetable broth is compliant, or make your own.
• Vegetarian The recipe is already vegetarian. For extra richness, consider adding a Parmesan rind during simmering (remove before serving).
• Vegan For extra protein, throw in some cubed tofu or tempeh. Ensure that the broth and other ingredients are 100% plant-based.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings 

Variations

• Protein Boost: Add cubed tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

Add-Ons

• Grains: Quinoa or brown rice can add more texture and nutrients.
• Legumes: Chickpeas or black beans can make the stew even heartier.
• Veggies: Consider mushrooms for an umami kick or sweet potatoes for a different texture.

Toppings

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness.
• Nuts and Seeds: A handful of pumpkin seeds or crushed almonds can add a satisfying crunch.
• Condiments: A dollop of vegan sour cream or a drizzle of tahini can elevate the flavors.

Can I Make Vegan Lentil Stew In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot? 

Slow Cooker

• Add all ingredients except spinach into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. 
• Stir in the spinach about 30 minutes before serving to allow it time to wilt.

Instant Pot

• Use the ‘Sauté’ function for the initial sautéing of the vegetables. Add the remaining ingredients except the spinach. Seal the lid and cook on the ‘Manual’ setting at high pressure for 15 minutes. 
• Quick-release the pressure, open the cover, and stir in the spinach until wilted.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own? 

Store-Bought Broth

• This is the more convenient choice, perfect for when you’re short on time. Opt for a low-sodium, organic variety to have more control over the salt and flavor. 
• Make sure to read the label to confirm it’s vegan.

Homemade Broth

• Making your broth allows you to customize the flavor and salt content. It’s a great way to use vegetable scraps like onion peels, carrot tops, and celery leaves, making it a more sustainable choice.

How To Serve ? 

• Temperature: Ensure the stew is piping hot but not boiling, as extreme heat can affect its texture and flavor.
• Texture: The stew should be neither too thick nor too watery. A splash of warm vegetable broth can bring it back to the perfect consistency if it has thickened upon standing.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate its visual appeal and add new flavor.
• Accompaniments: Consider serving the stew with crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Bowls: Opt for wide, shallow bowls to showcase the stew’s hearty ingredients.

Perfect Side Dishes

The easiest way to serve lentil stew is in a big bowl! Thanks to the potatoes and lentils, this is a hearty meal.

• A side of rice is great for absorbing all the flavors of the broth. We recommend a bowl of simple white rice, but feel free to substitute your favorite grains.
• Or you can mop up all the leftover broth with a chunk of crusty bread. An easy side to prepare, this is perfect for a particularly cold and wet winter day when you want something super comforting.
• Alternatively, you can lighten the meal up with a fresh side salad. Keep the flavors simple and finish with an essential lemon juice and olive oil dressing. This combination is perfect for a spring day.
• If you’re a meat eater, you can serve lentil stew as a side for a meaty main. It would pair particularly well with sausages or grilled chicken! You can also try frying bacon alongside your vegetables.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Store leftover vegan lentil stew in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
• Labeling: Clearly label the containers with the date of preparation to ensure freshness.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the stew into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.
• Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen stew in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: Reheat the stew gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

• Lentil Tacos: Use the stew as a hearty taco filling, adding avocado, salsa, and vegan cheese for a unique twist.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the stew. Bake until the peppers are tender.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Use the stew as a base layer and top it with mashed potatoes or cauliflower. Bake until golden.
• Pasta Sauce: Thin the stew and serve it over your favorite pasta or gluten-free alternative.
• Rice Casserole: Mix the stew with cooked rice, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until crispy.
• Fritters: Blend the stew, mix with breadcrumbs, form into patties, and pan-fry.
• Soup: Add more vegetable broth to transform it into a nourishing soup. Add extra spices or herbs for more flavor.

Tips

• Pre-soak Lentils: Soaking lentils for a few hours before cooking reduces cooking time and enhances digestibility.
• Use Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika for a flavorful base.
• Add Variety: Incorporate a variety of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for texture and nutrition.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the stew to simmer on low heat to develop deep flavors and tenderize the ingredients.
• Finish with Freshness: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for a burst of brightness.

Nutrition Table