Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

If you’ve been craving something warm, filling, and honestly a little hug-in-a-bowl, Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you “have your life together” even if you’re wearing yesterday’s leggings and answering emails with one hand.

This is comfort food that doesn’t ask for much: basic pantry ingredients, simple steps, and a big payoff. And if you’ve got picky eaters or a partner who asks, “Is this going to be filling?”—don’t worry. This one brings the cozy and the belly-filling energy.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• It’s hearty without being heavy. Lentils do that magical thing where they’re satisfying but not nap-inducing.
• Budget-friendly comfort food. No fancy ingredients, no “special trip to the store” vibes.
• Perfect for meal prep. The stew gets even better the next day (like a good TV show you rewatch).
• Customizable. Vegan? Great. Dairy-lover? Also great. This recipe doesn’t judge.

And if you’re feeding a family, this is a sneaky way to get vegetables in without making it a whole lecture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Lentil Stew

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk or regular milk
• 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter or regular butter
• Salt to taste
• Optional: garlic powder or fresh chives

How to Make Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Start the flavor base

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until your kitchen starts smelling like you know what you’re doing.

Step 2: Add the veggies

Toss in the carrots and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re not trying to brown them into oblivion—just soften them up so they melt into the stew later.

Step 3: Season like you mean it

Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, and tomato paste. Mix well so the tomato paste coats everything. This is where the stew starts to get that deep, cozy flavor that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it didn’t).

Step 4: Add the main event

Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes, bay leaf, and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer and let it do its thing

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Stir occasionally and add a splash more broth if it starts looking too thick.

While it simmers, you’re officially allowed to sit down for five minutes. Consider it part of the recipe.

Make the Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Step 1: Boil the potatoes

While the stew simmers, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the chopped potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, until fork-tender (translation: a fork slides in easily without resistance).

Step 2: Mash it up

Drain the potatoes, then mash with milk, butter, and salt. Add garlic powder if you want extra flavor, or stir in fresh chives if you’re feeling fancy (or just trying to use up what’s in the fridge).

Want them extra creamy? Add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time. Want them thicker? Mash less and stop sooner. Mashed potatoes are the choose-your-own-adventure of dinner.

Put It All Together (The Best Part)

When the lentils are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in fresh parsley.

Spoon a generous bed of mashed potatoes into each bowl, then ladle the stew right on top. It’s cozy, it’s filling, and it looks way more impressive than the effort it took.

Tips From My Kitchen (So Yours Feels Easy)

• If your stew is too thick: Add a bit more broth or water and stir. Lentils love to soak up liquid like they’re preparing for winter.
• If your stew is too thin: Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes. It’ll thicken up naturally.
• Don’t skip rinsing the lentils. It’s a quick step, but it helps keep the flavor clean and the texture nicer.
• Mashed potato “oops” fix: If you added too much milk and it’s soupy, stir in a little instant potato flakes if you have them—or just embrace it as “potato purée” and speak with confidence.

And remember: if your mashed potatoes have a few lumps, congratulations—you made them like a real person, not a robot.

A Little Personal Note From Me (Aneta)

I started making meals like this because I wanted something comforting that didn’t take forever or require a cooking show level of energy. The first time I made this, it was one of those evenings when everyone was hungry right now, and I needed dinner to basically save the mood in the house.

This one did the job. Big bowls, happy faces, and the kind of quiet that only happens when people are too busy eating to talk. That’s my kind of kitchen magic.

FAQs About Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Your Next Cozy Dinner Plan

If your week has been loud, busy, or just plain exhausting, Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes is the kind of meal that helps everything feel a little calmer. It’s warm, filling, and forgiving—like the dinner version of sweatpants.

Make it once, and I’m willing to bet it’ll land in your regular rotation. And when you serve that Hearty Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes in big bowls, don’t be surprised if everyone suddenly hangs out in the kitchen a little longer. That’s the magic.

Keep the Comfort Going (You’ll Love These Too)

If this Lentil Stew with Creamy Mashed Potatoes just earned a spot in your cozy-dinner hall of fame, don’t stop here—your future self will thank you for having a few more warm, satisfying recipes ready to go. Here are four comfort-filled favorites that bring the same “blanket and fuzzy socks” energy:

• Thai Coconut Red Lentil Soup for cozy, creamy spoonfuls — A delicious lentil twist with rich coconut flavor (perfect for soup nights when you want something soothing).
• Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup that feels like a warm hug — Creamy, comforting, and basically made for chilly evenings (or when the day has been a lot).
• Shepherd’s Pie Baked Potatoes for hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort — All the cozy goodness of shepherd’s pie, with a baked potato base that makes it extra satisfying.
• Chicken and Garlic Gravy with Cheesy Mashed Potatoes for pure comfort food magic — If you love mashed potatoes (and who doesn’t?), this one is the ultimate cozy follow-up.

If you try this recipe (or any of these!), I’d love to hear what you think—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review. Your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner and truly mean the world to me. Happy cooking!

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