Lentil stew over creamy mashed potatoes, where do I even start? This dish is like a big, warm hug for your taste buds. The lentils are tender, the veggies are packed with flavor, and the rich, savory broth just soaks into those buttery mashed potatoes like magic. Honestly, the moment it starts simmering, your kitchen smells like heaven, and everyone will be hovering, forks at the ready!
Seriously, this isn’t just dinner, it’s a full-on comfort fest. Each bite hits all the right notes: creamy, chunky, savory, cozy, and just downright satisfying. Make a big batch, pile it high on those mashed potatoes, and watch it disappear before you even get a second helping. You’re basically creating edible happiness here.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is pure comfort in a bowl. Tender lentils, fragrant veggies, and a rich, savory broth come together to create a stew that’s both hearty and nourishing. Pile it over creamy mashed potatoes, and every bite soaks up all that goodness, making it impossibly satisfying. Simple staples like lentils, onions, carrots, and seasonings combine to give you a meal that’s filling, wholesome, and super easy to whip up.
The fun part? You can make it your own. Toss in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, swirl a little cream into the mashed potatoes, or sprinkle smoked paprika into the stew for a flavor boost. Keep it mild or kick it up a notch; either way, this lentil stew with mashed potatoes always hits the spot.
Ingredients
For the Lentil Stew
- 1 cup lentils, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes. Drain and mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Lentils
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Simmer the Stew
Add lentils, broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes until the lentils are tender and the stew thickens.
4. Serve
Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates and ladle lentil stew on top. Serve warm, letting the creamy potatoes soak up the rich stew.
Lentil Stew Over Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Lentil Stew
- 1 cup lentils rinsed
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large potatoes peeled and chopped
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, mash with butter and milk.
- Sauté vegetables and garlic in olive oil.
- Add lentils, broth, and seasonings, and simmer until lentils are tender.
- Serve stew over mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations
- Add fresh parsley or thyme to the stew for extra flavor.
- Use cream or sour cream in mashed potatoes for richness.
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth if preferred.
- Make the stew ahead and reheat before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This lentil stew piled over creamy mashed potatoes is pure comfort on a plate. The tender lentils soak up all the savory flavors while the smooth, buttery potatoes make every bite cozy and satisfying. It’s perfect for chilly nights or relaxed family dinners, and even though it’s simple to make, it looks and tastes like a special treat that everyone will rush to dig into.
