one green planet
one green planet

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 after the flavors have had more time to meld.

Hearty Black Beluga Lentil Stew [Vegan]

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Calories

329

Serves

4

Ingredients

  • 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

Preparation

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add water, lentils, and seasonings (soy sauce through nutritional yeast). Bring to a low boil and lower heat. Cover and simmer for an hour.
  4. Add remaining vegetables, including mushrooms, and simmer an additional 30 minutes, until soft.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Per Serving: Calories: 329 | Carbs: 60 g | Fat: 2 g | Protein: 24 g | Sodium: 781 mg | Sugar: 9 g Note: The information shown is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.


About The Author

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Sara B. Allen

See My Recipes

Sara B. Allen is an avid foodie and adventurous home cook who adopted a plant-based diet after coming to the realization that eating animals did not jibe with her mind, body, or heart.  She is the author of Just Abt Vegan, a blog showcasing vegan recipes, cooking and lifestyle tips, and personal essays. Most evenings, you can find her in her itty-bitty Manhattan kitchen, cooking and splattering delicious sauces and gravies all over the counters and walls.

Comments

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  1. 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!