Easy Weight Loss Dinner // Lentil Mushroom Stew // Plant Based

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Homemade broth can be lower in sodium and more flavorful.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

mushrooms

🥗Healthier: shiitake mushrooms

💰Cheaper: button mushrooms

Button mushrooms are more affordable and widely available.

red bell pepper

🥗Healthier: yellow bell pepper

💰Cheaper: green bell pepper

Green bell peppers are typically cheaper and still add flavor.

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release moisture and begin to brown, about 5-6 minutes.

Stir in lentils, diced red bell pepper, and tomato paste; cook for 2-3 minutes.

Pour in vegetable broth and add thyme, bay leaves, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 25-30 minutes until lentils are tender.

Remove bay leaves and stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: