Hearty Mushroom and Lentil Stew

Ingredients

Olive oil

2 tablespoons

Onion

1, finely chopped

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Mushrooms

2 cups, sliced

Lentils

1 cup, rinsed and drained

Vegetable broth

4 cups

Tomato paste

2 tablespoons

Thyme

1 teaspoon, dried

Bay leaf

1

Salt and pepper

to taste

Fresh parsley

1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, this should take about 5 minutes.
3. To the pot, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they release their moisture and start to take on a golden-brown color, approximately 8 minutes.
4. Add the rinsed lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the stew and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve the stew hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of freshness and color right before serving.