📌 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
📌 2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
📌 3. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
📌 4. Add paprika, thyme, cumin, black pepper, salt, and soy sauce. Mix well.
📌 5. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender.
📌 6. Adjust seasoning if needed and let it thicken slightly.
💡 If you like a thicker stew, mash some lentils with a spoon before serving!
Step 2: Make the Mashed Potatoes
📌 1. Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
📌 2. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
📌 3. Drain and mash with plant-based milk, vegan butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
📌 4. Mix until smooth and creamy.
💡 For extra fluffy potatoes, use a potato ricer or hand mixer!
Step 3: Serve & Enjoy!
📌 1. Spoon a generous serving of mashed potatoes onto a plate or bowl.
📌 2. Ladle the warm lentil stew over the potatoes.
📌 3. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
💡 Pair with crusty bread or a side of sautéed greens for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich, Hearty & Satisfying – Perfect for a cozy dinner!
✔ High in Plant-Based Protein & Fiber – Keeps you full longer.
✔ Budget-Friendly & Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavors.
✔ Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – A meal for everyone to enjoy!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✔ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Freeze the lentil stew (without potatoes) for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth.
💡 Great for batch cooking and meal prepping!
Final Thoughts – The Perfect Comfort Food! 🍲🥔
💡 This Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate plant-based comfort meal! It’s nutritious, filling, and incredibly flavorful—ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
