Skip to main content

Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew

Enjoy a bowl of this slow cooker stew that is full of vegetables and umami flavors.
bowl of Slow Cooker Mushroom and Red Lentil Stew
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 to 8 hours
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced carrot
1 cup sliced celery 
1 pound sliced mushrooms
6 cloves garlic, chopped or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
3 cups bite-sized cubed yellow potatoes (see Notes)
1 cup red lentils, uncooked
3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon sage
2 Tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 bay leaves (optional)
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Put all ingredients except tomato sauce, vinegar, salt and pepper into a slow cooker that holds at least 5 quarts. The cooker should be no more than two-thirds full.
  4. Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or until potatoes and lentils are soft. Remove bay leaves.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar. Add pepper and salt, if desired. Cook until stew is hot.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Try any all-purpose potato you like. Leave the peels on for more fiber.
  • Broth can be home-made, canned or from a box.
  • Try with different vegetables such as leek, bell pepper, turnip or parsnip. You can also use different seasonings such as curry powder or any Food Hero seasoning mix.
  • No slow cooker? Saute onion, carrot and celery in 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil on medium heat. Add mushrooms, garlic, thyme, oregano and sage. Cook and stir for 3 or 4 minutes. Stir in the rest of the ingredients, bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes or until potatoes and lentils are soft.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Stovetop Quinoa
Bowls of cooked quinoa.

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
25 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Chimichurri
bowl of chimichurri

Chimichurri

This fresh green sauce is perfect on grilled or roasted proteins and vegetables. Also use on grain bowls or as a marinade. Thanks to the Latin Heritage Workgroup for their assistance.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 cup
Tuna Veggie Melt
Plate of english muffins topped with a tuna mix and cheese.

Tuna Veggie Melt

A quick and satisfying meal that uses English muffins topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Muffin Halves
Sautéed Zucchini
Bowl of zucchini spears.

Sautéed Zucchini

This 4-ingredient recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh summer zucchini. Customize by adding your favorite spices!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish
Plate of breaded, flakey white fish with slices of lemon.

Crispy Parmesan Baked Fish

Add more fish to your meals with this easy and healthy battered white fish with parmesan and herbs.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 Servings
Salsa Macha
Bowl of thin red salsa shown drizzled over chicken and vegetables.

Salsa Macha

You will love this pepper-infused oil made with hot peppers, garlic and peanuts. It is delicious drizzled on just about anything and stores well in your refrigerator or freezer.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
20 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.