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A pot of French Lentil Stew garnished with parsley

French Lentil Stew

Savor the rich flavors of our French Lentil Stew! It's a hearty and wholesome main course, for dinner or lunch, inspired by the traditions of French cuisine. This vegan stew combines tender French green lentils, aromatic herbs, and an array of fresh vegetables to create a delicious dish. Perfect for a chilly evening, our French Lentil Stew is a delightful choice that brings the essence of French culinary traditions to your table while catering to a vegan and plant-based lifestyle. Taste the warmth of French-inspired comfort in every spoonful.
Servings 4
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup dry French green lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shallots, diced (or 1 medium onion, diced)
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 oz. cremini mushrooms, cleaned and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (or 1 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes)
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon basil
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
  • 1 tablespoons cappers, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or tamari (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon (optional)
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add the chopped mushrooms and sauté until they start to soften. About 3 - 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute or until fragrant.
  • Stir in the herbes de Provence, capers, thyme, and diced tomatoes. Cook for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Pour in the vegetable broth, and French green lentils, and add the bay leaf. Give it a good stir.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 35 - 40 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still holding their shape.
  • Once the lentils are cooked, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the lemon juice to brighten flavor and coconut aminos or tamari, if using, to add richness.
  • Taste the stew, add salt and pepper, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  • Serve the French Lentil Stew hot, garnished with fresh parsley or fresh herbs if desired.