Lentil and Mushroom Stew over Potato-Parsnip Mash is a hearty vegetarian meal the whole family will love. Fiber-rich and decadently delicious, this recipe will satisfy even the most devout carnivores. 
Lentil Stew with Mashed Potatoes:
This lentil and mushroom stew is healthy comfort food at its FINEST. It combines rich, hearty ingredients in a real stick-to-the-bones winter warmer that both kids and adults will love. And, it's dinner party appropriate while still being totally weeknight-friendly. Basically, there's very little NOT to love about this one.
So, let's break down the details here. This recipe starts with a mix of mushrooms (cremini for meaty texture, shiitake for umami flavor) and a slew of aromatics. Once these cook down, some woodsy herbs and a slick of tomato paste join the party. The former adds an herbal backbone, while tomato paste lends bright acidity and concentrated tomato flavor. Next comes the red wine, which deglazes the pan and cooks down just enough to add rich, tannic notes. (Note: since red wine is quite tannic, it will turn bitter fast. This is why you don't want to reduce more than ~50% of the liquid.)
Next comes the broth, soy sauce (another umami booster!), and brown lentils, which amp up the heartiness. This gravy-like mixture is plenty enjoyable by itself, however it's best served over a more neutral base. For example, mashed potatoes and parsnips. The parsnips add a touch of sweetness to the potatoes, which in turn, make them more dimensional in flavor. Plus, this is the time of year to reap the many benefits of this underrated root vegetable. You may even decide to start adding parsnips to all mashed potato recipes.
Which Lentils are Best?
This recipe calls for brown lentils, which are the most common variety of lentil. In terms of color, they can range from khaki-brown to dark brown, however they all have the same earthy flavor. I love using brown lentils because they hold their shape well and cook relatively quick (about 20 to 30 minutes). If you're looking to save time, pick up a container of Trader Joe's Steamed Lentils (located in the produce section), or use canned.
If making from scratch, I recommend cooking the lentils in broth, as opposed to water, for extra flavor. Since this recipe calls for 2 cups of vegetable broth, you can just use the remaining 2 cups of broth from one quart. Or, if using water, just make sure it's well-salted.
Lentils are a great source of fiber and plant-based protein. They're also a decent source of iron, magnesium, and folic acid. Additionally, lentils are extremely inexpensive and last a WHILE in dry storage. I typically purchase them from the bulk bin section of Sprouts or Whole Foods and store them in a glass mason jar in my pantry. 
How to Make Mashed Potatoes with Parsnips:
If you have yet to try adding parsnips to mashed potatoes, you're in for a treat! Parsnips are a cream-colored, carrot-looking root vegetable harvested in the fall and winter months. It's easy to think they may just be a white carrot, however parsnips are actually a member of the parsley family. They have a brawny tan skin that is typically peeled before use, revealing vibrant white flesh. In terms of taste, their sweetness can be closely matched to that of a carrot, however parsnips offer a more earthy undertone. Their flavor also intensifies after being cooked, at which point their flavor turns slightly nutty.
Parsnips are especially ideal to pair with potatoes because they have similar cook times. This is particularly useful when boiling the potatoes and parsnips together in one pot, which is what this recipe calls for. Just be sure to cut both vegetables into similar size pieces to ensure they're done at the same time.
Once tender, use a potato masher to mash both vegetables right in the pot. For extra creaminess, I like adding cashew milk and a couple tablespoons of butter. (You can also use vegan butter if making dairy-free.) They're also delicious with fresh rosemary and/or thyme, plus some garlic.
This recipe will warm you from the inside out all winter long. It's quickly become one of my favorites, especially when I'm craving some hearty comfort food. It also freezes and reheats very well, so feel free to double the batch! If you give this recipe a try, be sure to tag #dishingouthealth so I can see your beautiful creations. And don't forget to follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates.
More Vegetarian Lentil Recipes to Try:
Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie with Lentils
One Pot Curried Lentil Soup
Smoky Lentil Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Lentil and Mushroom Stew over Potato-Parsnip Mash
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Yukon gold or Russet potatoes partially peeled
- 1 lb. parsnips peeled
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 8 oz. cremini mushrooms sliced
- 8 oz. shiitake mushrooms stemmed
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 Tbsp. tomato paste
- ½ cup dry red wine
- 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary divided
- 6 thyme sprigs
- 1 tsp. kosher salt divided
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup cooked brown lentils
- 2 Tbsp. lower-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- ½ cup milk of choice (I use unsweetened cashew milk)
- 2 Tbsp. butter (sub vegan butter if making dairy-free)
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes and parsnips into equal sized chunks. Place them into a large pot, cover with cold water, and add a large pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer until the vegetables are fork tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until onion softens and mushrooms are golden, about 8 minutes. Add garlic and tomato paste; cook until paste turns brick red, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add wine, 1 Tbsp. rosemary, thyme, ½ tsp. salt, and pepper. Cook until wine reduces by half, about 2 minutes. Whisk broth, flour, and soy sauce in a bowl, and pour into pan. Simmer until mixture thickens, about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir in lentils, and remove thyme stems from pan.
- Drain potatoes and parsnips and place back in hot pot. Add milk, butter, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoon rosemary. Use a potato masher to thoroughly mash. Divide evenly between each of 4 plates. Spoon lentil and mushroom mixture overtop. Garnish with additional herbs, if desired.
Nutrition
Sela Barker
The best vegetarian comfort food! Going in my Keeper file!
Ceci
I finally had a chance to make this today. Really nice recipe! Perfect for fall. I appreciate the chance to use parsnips—a super nutritious and under appreciated vegetable. Some thinly sliced carrots might be a good addition to this as well. Thanks for this!
Laurie
This is so savoury and satisfying. I added carrots for a bit of colour. Delish!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Laurie! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
Gail M Vasilnek
Delicious and so versatile, and I can't wait to make this again.
Subbed white wine for red, French lentils for brown,sour cream for milk in the mash and added a carrot to the stew.
Bon appetit
Jamie Vespa
Hi Gail! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. Thank you so much for taking the time to come back and leave a review!
Andrea
How can I adjust this receipe so I can use my slow cooker?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Andrea - unfortunately I haven't tested this in the slow cooker so I can't provide specific instructions.
Emerald
Did anyone ever try the slow cooker?
Lauren
This was pantry friendly, relatively quick and delicious. Tasted like a long cook but with the ease of a weeknight meal. Great veggie meal!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Lauren! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review
Andrea
This is excellent, thank you!
Heidi
This is, by far, one of my favorite recipes ever.
Sezen
I just made this as a meal prep for my husband and me by doubling the recipe. I replaced cooking wine with balsamic vinegar and added a bit more lentils than the recipe says. It is extremely delicious, can’t wait to eat this for our lunches!
Tina
We love lentils! However we don’t like mushrooms. What can I use to substitute the mushrooms?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Tina - eggplant would be a suitable sub! Enjoy!
Erin
This looks SO yummy - wondering if it could be done with mashed cauliflower instead of potatoes?
Leah
This recipe is truly incredible! I have made so many of your dishes, and they never disappoint! This one is definitely going to be added to my regular rotation. It's so rich and hearty, yet easy to make! I have already recommended it to several friends.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Leah - Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a fab review. And for recommending to your friends! I appreciate the love and support.
Hinke
This was amazing!! Had to make a few adjustments but it turned out divine! 😍 definitely something i will add to my go to meals.
I used balsamic vinegar instead of the red wine, dried lentils instead of the cooked ones and dried herbs instead of fresh. Thank you so much for the recipe Jamie!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Hinke - I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review! Cheers.
Hinke
This was amazing!! Had to make a few adjustments but it turned out divine! 😍 definitely something i will add to my go to meals. The mushrooms and the bite of the lentils go so well together with all the flavors of the herbs and the sauce. And then the parsnip in the mash that just add a little sweetness the dish needed!
I used balsamic vinegar instead of the red wine, dried lentils instead of the cooked ones and dried herbs instead of fresh. Thank you so much for the recipe Jamie!
Jamie Vespa
Yay! So so glad it was a hit!! 🙂
Ella
Looking for new recipes. I'll have to try this.
Joanne
Wow, I loved this recipe! It was full of flavours and perfect for a cold autumn day. Ultimate comfort food 🙂
Kelly Hauser
Made this for my hubby and I last night and WOWWWWW!!! It was soo delicious and comforting. I loooved the parsnips with the potatoes in flavor and texture. Also, the meal was very simple to make and nothing was a crazy ingredient which I love. We are both vegan and LOVE to eat, so this recipe will definitely be added to our favs for the chilly weather!!
Highly recommend!!
Chantony
Wow, this was incredible!! Such a nourishing and satisfying meal. Was the perfect dinner for the “cooler” evening here in Florida 😉
Thank you 🙏🏽
Sheryl Johnson
Oh yum, oh yum, oh YUM! We are part time vegetarians and this is superb, no matter WHAT you are!
Lia
This recipe fulfilled my quest for the ultimate comfort food! Plus, it's packed with protein too...This recipe has become part of my repertoire!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Lia--Yay I'm so happy to hear!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Heather
It took me about an hour to make and came out great. I subb'd some of the mushrooms and used green lentils (what I had on hand) and it came out great.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Heather-I'm so glad you enjoyed this one! Thank you for taking the time to leave a rating and review!
Simona
Hı! Just wondering about storing lefoivers. Have you reheated this stew, I have been reading different opinions about reheating mushrooms? Thanks!
Roxanne
This recipe was loved by everyone when I made it for a birthday party and I will do it again and again. It is full of flavors!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Roxanne,
I'm so glad the recipe was a hit!! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a rating and review.
Sue Weston
So after you put lentils in, you don't have to cook them a while?
Jamie Vespa
Hi Sue, since the lentils are already cooked, they don't need to cook in the mixture for long. Just long along for the flavors to meld.
Marisa
This is amazing! Super depth of flavor! What a great cold winters day meal.
Jamie Vespa
Hi Marisa,
I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Maria
It was delicious and it says something since I've always hated lentils and have just recently decided I have to find ways to make them palatable... Thanks to you I'm looking forward to trying more lentils recipes! And to those who are wondering - I've omitted the wine, did not substitute with anything and nothing happened, the dish was still amazing 😉
Jennifer
Thanks, Maria! Exactly what I was wondering.. I don't have any wine.
Tamara
Whoa. This recipe is really something. So hearty and comforting! Thank you!
Tamara
Oops — forgot to rate it in my original comment!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Tamara! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Monica
Soul food - so delicious!
Jen
I made this dish and it was phenomenal! It’s funny because I made it all the way to the end and forgot to add the lentils and was thinking “wow, this stew isn’t very substantial!” And then I glanced over the recipe one last time and saw was the word lentils and then realized I hadn’t added them. So needless to say this dish is VERY substantial and delicious. The mushrooms make it hearty, the sauce is luxurious and rich from the tomato paste and red wine....the herbs make it comforting and perfect for a winter dish. I highly recommend this dish and will definitely be making this again.
Jamie Vespa
I'm SO glad you enjoyed the recipe, Jen! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Hayley
This was amazing. I got gifted some vegan pinot noir as an early Christmas gift so I used a bit in this & drank the rest. I don't cook with wine that often since not many vegetarian and vegan dishes use it. It was perfect here and I love the parsnips with the potatoes. It felt really fancy but wasn't hard to make. I think this is my new favourite recipe from your site!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Hayley! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Helen
I made this for Thanksgiving since almost every year, the vegetarians are left with dry mashed potatoes. It was a hit with everyone, inuding non-vegetarians. The flavors are on point, and you can basically eat it on its own.
Jamie Vespa
Love hearing this made it to your Thanksgiving spread!!
PamelaB
This is so good! Add sautéed greens...kale, chard, spinach, etc...either stirred into the mash or as an additional topper...can’t have too many greens. I love this type of meal. Thanks!
Laura
Trying to get more into plant-based cooking and this has been one of my favorite meals so far. You don't miss the meat AT ALL. A very cozy dish for the cooler weather, too.
Katie
Tried this recipe today with my not vegan mom we both loved it! I accidentally put in too much salt but it was still okay because it balanced with the mash! I also was trying to get rid of a container of vegan cream cheese so I put a couple tablespoons of that in the mash as well!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Katie, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Love the idea of adding cream cheese to the mash, too. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review!
Adriene
This was excellent! I love super hearty veggie main dishes. I was able to get 5 servings out this recipe. I subbed black lentils because I had those on hand and used beef broth instead of veggie. It tastes even better left over. THANK YOU!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Adriene, I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review--it's much appreciated!
Amanda
This was soooooo yummy!!!! I subbed coconut milk and vegan butter to make it dairy free. Delicious flavor and so comforting. Thanks for sharing!
Jamie Vespa
I'm so glad the recipe was a hit, Amanda! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Jennifer
Could you make this in an instapot? I have three boys-10, 4 & 10 weeks. I need things I can set and go!
Thanks!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Jennifer, totally understand! Unfortunately I have not tested this recipe in the IP yet. I’m sorry!
Kelly
Really nice dish, tons of flavour and very satisfying. My husband the carnivore loved it. I would absolutely make it for guests. The bonus is the leftover wine!
Jamie Vespa
Haha YES! SO glad you enjoyed it, Kelly! Thank you for taking time to leave a review!
Gwen
Just found this yesterday and I had to make it! I had parsnips, potatoes, lentils, and mushrooms - how could I resist. Yes, it's the middle of July, but I tend to make winter foods all year round. We all enjoyed it a great deal and will be making it again. I loved the spicy flavor added by the parsnips (I LOVE parsnips!) and the stew sauce was so flavorful.
Sha
Hi , what can I replace the wine with ?
Karly Postma
This was a fantastic dish! Hearty and warms the soul. I love the combination of mushrooms and lentils. Will be making again for sure! 5 stars.
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Lentil and Mushroom Stew over Potato-Parsnip Mash | Dishing Out Health - dishingouthealth.com
Annie
SO. GOOD. Checks all the necessary boxes: comforting, healthy, easy, delicious 🙂
dishingouthealth
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Annie! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Eli McKenna-Weiss
Is it a cup of lentils, cooked or a cup of cooked lentils?
Kris
I’d would like an answer to that question as well.
Tammy
This recipe is fabulous. Just loved it. It was a bit of work in preparation but so worth it and lovely leftovers. For those asking about the amount of lentils. I cooked 1 cup of dry lentils with 3 cups of water. You get a lot of lentils after cooking and I added almost all of them so you get that thick look like in the picture. Hope that helps everyone because I was at a loss too. The mashed potatoes and parsnips is a really unique flavour and the added rosemary just makes the whole dish very special. Thank you for a great recipe!
Jamie Vespa
Hi Tammy, I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!! Thank you for providing your measurements for lentils, too. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!