This hearty lentil stew recipe is a comforting, one-pot meal made with tender lentils, vegetables, and a deeply savory broth. It comes together in under an hour, works on the stovetop or in the Instant Pot, and delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor without the wait.
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 10 minutesminutes
Pressurize and Depressurize Instant Pot 25 minutesminutes
Set the Instant Pot on the saute setting. Add olive oil and heat. When the oil is hot, add leeks, fennel, garlic and carrots. Cook for about five minutes or until leeks have softened.
Add the diced tomatoes with liquid, lentils, mushrooms, miso, and 3 cups vegetable broth to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid on top and make sure the pressure valve is closed. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure cooking for 10 minutes.
8 ounces mushrooms, 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, ¾ cup brown lentils, 3 - 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon white miso
When the time is finished, use natural release for 10 minutes and then quick release to carefully remove the lid.
Set the Instant Pot to the saute setting again. Stir in the kale, thyme, marjoram, salt and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow kale to soften and flavors to meld. For a thinner stew, add ½ cup - 1 cup of additional vegetable broth to reach desired consistency.
½ teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon marjoram, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, 4 cups kale
Stovetop Instructions
In a large Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add leeks, fennel, garlic, and carrots. Cook for about five minutes or until leeks are soft.