Smoky Red Lentil Stew

5 from 4 votes

A quick and easy vegetarian stew with red lentils, hearty vegetables, and warm spices. Creamy, comforting, and packed with plant-based protein.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 342kcal

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
3 carrots, peeled and diced
1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons smoked paprika powder
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cups dried red lentils, rinsed
6 cups vegetable broth (if the stew feels too thick after cooked, you can add additional broth or water to loosen it up to your preference)
1 cup greens of choice (kale, spinach, broccoli, Swiss chard), chopped
Optional toppings: greek yogurt, sour cream, chives, green onions, hot sauce.

Heat olive oil in large stock pot over low/medium heat. Sauté onions for 4 minutes. Add celery, carrots and shiitakes and sauté an additional 3 minutes or until vegetables are fork tender. Add garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and cook for an additional minute.
Add the balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, cumin, lentils and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are soft.
Add the greens of choice and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook for 3 minutes or until fork tender.
Serve with desired toppings.

Prep Ingredients First: Chop your vegetables and measure the rest of the ingredients ahead of time. Having everything ready makes this red lentil stew come together in no time.
Adjust Consistency: If the stew thickens as it sits, add extra vegetable broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Storage/Freezing: Keeps 4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth if needed.
Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this stew in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables and garlic first, then add everything (except the greens) to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 hours. Stir in the greens during the last few minutes of cooking.