Do I need to pre-soak the black beluga lentils for this stew?

No, the recipe instructs to add the lentils directly to the pot with water and seasonings, then simmer for an hour, so no pre-soaking is required.

Why are the mushrooms sauteed separately and added later?

Sauteing the mushrooms first until browned and crisp, then adding them back later, helps them retain their texture and flavor without becoming mushy during the long simmer.

How can I adjust the thickness of this lentil stew?

The recipe suggests adding additional water at the end to thin the consistency if desired, aiming for a stew thick enough to coat a spoon but still easily ladled.

What role do smoked paprika and nutritional yeast play in this stew?

Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor, while nutritional yeast contributes a savory, umami richness, enhancing the overall depth of the stew.

Can I make this Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew ahead of time or freeze it?

Yes, this stew is excellent for making ahead; it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and freezes well for up to 1 month, as its ingredients hold up to reheating.

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Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew
[Vegan]

SA By: Sara B. Allen

Author Bio

Sara B. Allen is an avid foodie and adventurous home cook who adopted a plant-based... Read More

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A steaming bowl of hearty black beluga lentil stew, garnished with fresh thyme, served alongside a slice of crusty bread on a rustic wooden surface.

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Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew [Vegan]

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Dairy Free

Vegan

Perfect for a still-chilly early spring evening, this easy-to-make stew pairs gravy with meaty wild mushrooms and an array of bright, fresh veggies (feel free to sub in whatever variety you have on hand). This stew is great fresh off the stove, and even better reheated a few days later... Read More

Ingredients You Need for Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew [Vegan]

Olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, coarsely chopped (oyster or other wild varieties are ideal, but any type will work.)
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
4 large carrots, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 1/2 cups lentils
7 cups water
2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped (or a couple shakes dried)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1/2 cup green beans, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons

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How to Prepare Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew [Vegan]

Heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat in a Dutch oven or similar heavy, large pot until shimmering. Add mushrooms and sauté until browned and slightly crisp around the edges. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from pan and set aside.
Lower heat and add an additional splash of oil to the pan. Add onions and sauté until soft and starting to brown. If they start sticking to the pan or browning too much, add a splash of water and scrape up any caramelized bits. Add garlic and carrots and sauté until beginning to soften.
Add water, lentils, and seasonings (soy sauce through nutritional yeast). Bring to a low boil and lower heat. Cover and simmer for an hour.
Add remaining vegetables, including mushrooms, and simmer an additional 30 minutes, until soft.
Add additional water to thin consistency, if desired. This is a matter of personal preference, but I like mine to be thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, but thin enough that it can still ladled (rather than scooped). Adjust seasonings.
Serve with crusty bread or a scoop of rice.

Notes

Don’t ask me why, but lentils love smokiness, so it’s no surprise that many traditional lentil soups are flavored with bacon or ham hock. Incredibly, a few shakes of smoked paprika will create virtually the same deep flavor. If you don’t have any on hand, substitute a splash of liquid smoke, a small piece of any smokey faux-meat, chipotle sauce, or just omit.

Nutritional Information

Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Comments:

Alisa says:

April 14, 2015 at 4:50 am

Made this at the weekend and loved it. My boyfriend, who is not vegan, loved the smokiness of it that reminded him, exactly as you said, of bacon. So this will be making an appearance again soon!